Stronger customs controls and cooperation on product compliance needed to better protect EU citizens and businesses

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

A European Commission report about customs controls on product compliance at the EU’s external borders recognises the efforts of customs authorities while highlighting the need for improved customs controls and cooperation, in particular to deal with the rapid growth of e-commerce. Imported products, including those purchased online, unfortunately do not always comply with EU rules regarding safety, security, or environmental standards. This creates risks for EU citizens and businesses.

The EU is addressing the challenges of non-compliant imports and e-commerce growth through the proposed EU Customs Reform, which aims to establish a new EU Customs Authority and Data Hub to strengthen risk management, enhance cooperation between customs and market surveillance authorities, and modernize enforcement of product compliance rules.

Key data from 2022 to 2024 in the report shows that customs controls on product compliance are increasing every year. More products have been stopped by customs and ultimately refused entry to the EU market because they do not comply with EU rules or are deemed dangerous. Across the EU, customs refused an average of 13 items per million products released in 2024 due to non-compliance or serious risks. However, during this period, the expansion of e-commerce-driven imports outpaced the rate at which control measures were implemented. Additionally, the effectiveness and quality of existing controls require improvement to address emerging challenges.

The report helps the Commission and Member States to better understand the challenges customs face in controlling product compliance and to identify measures to further improve enforcement of EU rules.

Improving customs controls across the EU

The report shows that while customs controls continue to play a crucial role, better cooperation between customs and market surveillance authorities is key to stop non-compliant or dangerous products from entering the EU Single Market. Digitalisation also plays a key role in moving customs controls to the next level. The Commission has already contributed to digitalise the communication between customs and market surveillance authorities and the Customs Reform currently under negotiation between the Council and the European Parliament will significantly contribute to improve customs controls and risk management.

Product compliance in the EU ensures that products meet strict criteria, including functional, technical, safety, health, and environmental standards, thereby protecting both consumers and the environment.

By applying uniform rules on products regardless of their origin, the EU creates a level playing field where all companies must adhere to the same rules, promoting fair competition. These rules allow consumers to enjoy high-quality, safe products across the EU Single Market, ensuring they receive better value for their money through both competitive pricing and high-quality standards.

Enhancing the EU Customs Union

The Commission’s recent Communication on a comprehensive EU toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce underlines the need for stronger customs controls to tackle the challenges posed by e-commerce. The Commission is committed to creating a safer and more secure online shopping environment for citizens. The report on product compliance controls is an important step towards achieving this goal, and the Commission will continue to work towards improving customs controls and ensuring that citizens can trust the products they buy, in particular when they buy online.

The EU Customs Reform proposed by the Commission, and currently under negotiation between the Council and the European Parliament, will introduce a new EU Customs Authority and Data Hub, enabling more effective risk management and cooperation between customs authorities and other authorities, such as market surveillance authorities. The main objective is to make customs controls more effective, efficient, and transparent. Additionally, the Reform will strengthen customs’ ability to identify and eliminate non-compliant products. Ultimately, the EU seeks to create a favourable business environment, promote competitiveness, and support economic growth, while ensuring the protection of its citizens and environment.

Methodology of the report

The report presents and analyses the statistical data provided by EU Member States regarding product compliance controls at the EU external borders, carried out by customs in cooperation with market surveillance authorities.

The data covers a three-year period and looks at the number of customs interventions, suspensions, and refusals at EU borders. The data shows trends and patterns across EU Member States. It follows Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance and compliance of products.

The report is part of the Commission’s efforts to improve customs controls and ensure compliance with EU legislation. By helping to harmonise national customs procedures, EU customs policies aim to address challenges such as fair trade, simplifying the customs environment for businesses, and supporting the transition to more secure and compliant products entering the EU Single Market.