METEOR (Rapid, Portable and Reliable Cargo Screener) is an EU-funded innovation project aimed at transforming how authorities detect illicit drugs and other threats hidden in cargo containers. The project is developing a breakthrough vapour screening technology based on ion mobility chemical fingerprinting, enabling rapid, non-intrusive detection of concealed substances at ports, borders, and other high-traffic logistics hubs. Unlike conventional detection systems, the METEOR analyser is designed to be portable, fast, and user-friendly, providing reliable results within minutes and without needing to open or unload containers.

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Learn more about the METEOR project here

PEN-CP focuses on accelerating innovation efforts across three core Customs technical areas: Data and risk management; Detection technologies; and Laboratory equipment. We have a broad variety of innovation and knowledge instruments in use, including Technology grants, Challenge competitions, Innovation awards, Annual studies and Expert reports. 

 

Across our activities, we aim to connect innovation-spirited Customs officers, helping them to ‘find friends in Customs innovation’. The vision is to become a robust and permanent Customs innovation boosting network, helping to accelerate both incremental and radical innovations, for the direct benefit of Customs administrations in Europe and even beyond.

Learn more about the PEN-CP project here

I-SEAMORE is an Horizon Europe co-funded project that aims to develop an integrated Ecosystem composed of an advanced platform solution to host and manage the operation of several innovative assets, services and systems for maritime operations. It aims to provide European Authorities with increased situational awareness and operational capabilities for Maritime surveillance operations resorting to aerial and water surface support. I-SEAMORE includes the modernization and/or development of a set of services and tools that will enable the MOCs to take advantage from the use of heterogeneous data sources as well as data and information processing mechanisms.

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Learn more about the I-SEAMORE project here

BORDERLINK is a Horizon Europe project funded by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland that enhances customs and border management by pioneering innovative technologies, developing reference databases, and establishing standards to improve interoperability and interconnectivity.

 

By improving interoperability, BORDERLINK enables seamless cooperation between customs administrations, other border control agencies, and security stakeholders. 

 

The 10 Innovations in BORDERLINK:

  

1. Data interoperability in the inland waterways domain

2. Standard Test Units

3. Certified X-ray operator training

4. Library of synthetic X-ray images

5. Federated database for sharing X-ray images

6. Cloud library for reference Raman spectra

7. Eco-friendly recycling service for seized cigarettes

8. Intelligence database of seized cigarettes

9. Educational games on Green customs

10. BORDERLINK Observatory

 

Learn more about the BORDERLINK project here

The European MULTISCAN 3D ( project addresses the pressing need for enhanced container inspection technologies in customs border checks, particularly in high-throughput seaports like Rotterdam and Antwerp. Current 2D X-ray systems suffer from limitations in spatial resolution and material discrimination. Most of the time, agencies will select container for inspection based on risk analysis or surveillance information. Inspection will typically consist of scanning of the entire cargo through a large, high energy systems, in single or dual view in a centralised fixed or relocatable inspection facility, or with mobile system. Given the projected increase in cargo, customs administrations require more advanced solutions to maintain or improve border control efficiency without additional resources.

The MULTISCAN 3D project aims to achieve a significant technological breakthrough by developing a new all-in-one inspection system. This system is designed to be user-friendly, flexible, and relocatable, offering high-quality information through fast high-energy 3D X-ray tomography as a first-line inspection tool (https://multiscan3d-h2020.eu/).

Europe's leading Customs Authorities identified and defined specific needs and requirements in a technologically-neutral way. These needs have been translated into technical specifications. The main body of the research is focused on three parts: laser-plasma based accelerators as X-ray sources, 3D reconstruction for multi-view configurations and data processing, and detectors and source monitoring.

One of the primary challenges is leveraging laser-plasma acceleration technology. Enhancing the average power of the laser system is crucial for achieving the desired performance of multisources X-ray production. The number of source distributed around the countainer is discussed to develop advanced algorithms for 3D reconstruction from multi-view X-ray data, essential for accurately interpreting complex cargo contents. Ensuring precise dosimetry and beam monitoring from multiple X-ray sources is critical for the reliable and safe operation of the inspection system. Complementary techniques, including chemical and special nuclear material (SNM) identification, will also be integrated to provide comprehensive inspection capabilities.

At this stage, the different technological components have been developed and tested at laboratory scale. Realistic environment trials will be conducted with containers proposed by customes team towards of project end to obtain performance assessment.

The MULTISCAN 3D project seeks to revolutionize customs border checks by developing an advanced inspection system that combines cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving demands of global trade and security. This system promises to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of container inspections, providing customs administrations with a powerful tool to ensure compliance and safety in international logistics.This work is performed in the framework of the MULTISCAN 3D Project (101020100), granted by the European Commission (H2020-SU-SEC-2020).