This kind of activities is closely related to each of the four EUCABโs operational unitsโ missions.
All EUCAB working units contribute to achieving the expert teamโs overall objectives of strengthening operational cooperation and trust between Member States, and raising the awareness on customs administrationsโ role in the context of international trade, economic security and protection of the internal market, and the global security of EUโs external borders. All units address shared priority areas of risk management, operational control excellence, training, equipment and innovation, as well as integrity and resilience. Each operational unit pursues specific goals as well, dealing with the challenges of different customs environments: air and post, maritime, land, and mobile.
AIR and POST
Facts & figures
- 447 international airports in the EU
- 2.5 billion passengers welcomed in 2024 by the EU international airportsย
- 8 million tons of cargo and 5.8 billion of e-commerce items imported through EU airports and postal hubsย
Main issues
- Monitoring e-commerce imports in the EU
- Enhancing cooperation between EU airports and/or postal hubs
- Sharing knowledge and best practices in terms of equipment, training, innovation, on passenger and cargo flows
- Increasing visibility and efficiency of customs activities at airports and postal hubs
MARITIME
Facts & figures
- 75% of EU external trade volumes and 31% of EU internal trade volumes are imported through ports
- 70% of drugs seizures made by customs take place in ports
Main issuesย
- Ensuring strengthened port security, also in view of combating organized crime and the trafficking of illegal goods (including drugs)
- Supporting the facilitation of trade in legitimate goods
- Strengthening the operational capacity of Customs in the maritime environment, with a strong focus on control procedures, training, equipment, and innovation
- Increasing visibility and efficiency of customs activities in the maritime ecosystem (sea and river ports)
LAND
Facts & figures
- Over 53 million vehicles (cars, trucks, and buses) crossed EU external road Border Crossing Points (BCPs) in 2025
- Nearly 143 million passengers passed through EU external road BCPs
- More than 5,700 customs officers are deployed at EU external road borders
Main issuesย
- Managing very high traffic volumes while ensuring effective customs con-trols
- Strengthening the detection of illicit trafficking and the enforcement of prohibitions and restrictions
- Enhancing coordination and operational alignment between Member States at EU external land borders
MOBILE GROUPS
Facts & figures
Main issuesย
- Improving operational effectiveness of customs mobile groups
- Building a shared focus on priority risks and related training needs
- Identifying gaps in information exchange, risk support, and equipment
- Making recommendations for modernization, officer safety, and customs performance
