Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI)
The CCEI funds EU customs authorities to acquire, test, and maintain advanced detection and analysis equipment, enhancing and harmonizing border control science and technology across Member States.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (application invitation deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: €1,006 million total for 2021–2027; funding directed to EU Member States' customs authorities for equipment purchase/upgrade
Summary: Supports EU Member States' customs authorities in purchasing, maintaining, and upgrading advanced customs control equipment for effective and harmonized border management.
Key Information: Only customs authorities of EU Member States are eligible; no open call—applications by invitation only.
Description
The Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI) is a funding initiative under the Integrated Border Management Fund (IBMF) of the European Commission. Its primary aim is to provide financial support to the customs authorities of EU Member States for the transparent purchase, maintenance, and upgrade of state-of-the-art customs control equipment. This includes a broad spectrum of equipment such as x-ray scanners, automated number plate detection systems, non-intrusive detection equipment, mobile labs for sample analysis, and more.
The CCEI also covers testing new equipment in operational conditions, introductory staff training (where included in purchase contracts), and essential software or updates required for the operation of customs control equipment. The overarching goal is to ensure adequate and equivalent customs control results across the EU, supporting effective customs operations at external borders and contributing to the proper functioning of the Single Market.
