European Customs Laboratories

The EU customs laboratories provide the scientific expertise needed for customs and tax authorities.

Their main tasks include:

• chemical analyses to determine the tariff classification, level of duties and other taxes,
• control of dangerous substances (e.g., pesticides, pollutants, narcotics, illegal medicines, etc.),
• determining the authenticity of products and tracking counterfeit,
• providing overall scientific expertise to all customs and tax departments, as well as other administrations (e.g., police, justice, environment, etc.).

As such, European customs laboratories play an essential role in:

• the fight against illegal trafficking (e.g., drugs or contraband),
• combating fraud,
• protecting consumers and their health,
• safeguarding the environment,
• helping the fight against terrorism,
• ensuring border integrity.