AEO Customs Cooperation Guidance on Detecting Suspicious Activities
Summary
The European Commission published non-binding guidance titled 'AEO – Customs Cooperation to Detect, Report and React to Suspicious Activities', prepared with trade associations, to strengthen two-way collaboration between customs authorities and economic operators in combating illicit trade, drug trafficking, and organised crime. The guidance encourages all businesses — regardless of Authorised Economic Operator status — to establish 24/7 dedicated contact points and secure whistleblowing channels for reporting suspicious activities to customs authorities.
What changed
The European Commission issued non-binding guidance on strengthening customs-business cooperation to combat illicit trade, drug trafficking, and organised crime. The document encourages two-way information sharing between customs authorities and economic operators, promotes streamlined reporting through 24/7 contact points, and establishes secure whistleblowing mechanisms to expose internal conspirators and evolving criminal tactics.\n\nBusinesses engaged in international trade — regardless of AEO certification status — are encouraged to adopt proactive reporting measures and participate in dynamic cooperation frameworks. While non-binding, the guidance paves the way for the upcoming legal framework under the new Union Customs Code, signalling future mandatory obligations may follow.
What to do next
- Establish 24/7 dedicated contact points for reporting suspicious activities to customs authorities
- Implement secure whistleblowing channels for anonymous reporting
- Participate in continuous dialogue with customs authorities on detection strategies
Archived snapshot
Apr 14, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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.
More information
Details
Publication date 14 April 2026 Author Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union
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