New EU guidance promotes cooperation between customs and businesses to tackle illicit trade

The European Commission has released a new guidance document, prepared in consultation with trade associations, "AEO - Customs Cooperation to Detect, Report and React to Suspicious Activities", aimed at strengthening collaboration between customs authorities and economic operators in combating illicit trade, drug trafficking, and organised crime.

The initiative encourages whistleblowing and enhanced two-way collaboration with 24/7 dedicated contact points ,enabling faster detection of suspicious activities. While based on existing partnerships with Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs), the guidance encourages all businesses-regardless of AEO status-to adopt proactive reporting measures.

The non-binding Guidance is paving the way to the upcoming legal framework under the new UCC, fostering transparency and collaboration in customs and economic operator information exchange.

Key measures

• Information sharing and two-way cooperation between customs authorities and economic operators to better target and prevent illicit activities
• Streamlined reporting - Customs encouraged to dedicate 24/7 contact points for urgent alerts.
• Secure whistleblowing - Anonymous reporting channels (internal and national) aim to expose internal conspirators
• Dynamic cooperation - Continuous dialogue ensures detection strategies adapt to evolving criminal tactics.

A safer trade environment

The document promotes a culture of shared responsibility. By participating, businesses help disrupt illicit flows while benefiting from smoother, more secure trade operations.

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