20 June 2026, the European Commission published a report on customs controls at the EU’s external borders. The report highlights the need for stronger controls and enhanced cooperation to help protect consumers and businesses in the EU internal market.
The report, which focuses on 2025, outlines the growing pressure on EU customs particularly due to the rapid growth of e-commerce imports. The report recognises the essential work carried out by customs authorities in the EU, while pointing to major differences in enforcement performance across Member States.
The Commission also updated its Integrated EU Prohibitions & Restrictions List, a practical tool to identify EU rules on banned or restricted goods entering or leaving the EU. The update provides greater clarity for businesses and customs authorities by reflecting changes in the legal framework.
EU product compliance rules ensure that goods in the EU market meet strict safety, health, environmental, and performance requirements. However, many imported goods, including products bought online, do not comply with these rules, thereby creating risks for consumers, businesses, and the environment. Customs authorities are the first line of defence at the EU’s external borders and therefore are key actors in stopping dangerous or non-compliant products before they can circulate in the Single Market.