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International cooperation

The 27 national customs services of the European Union (EU) cooperate in controlling our external European border. But we also work together a lot outside the EU. After all, the world is getting smaller while international trade continues to grow.

Other customs organisations

The EU has one external border. Once goods have crossed that border, they are no longer checked. Within the EU, there is what is known as the 'free movement of goods'. All member states must control the external border correctly and in the same way. Member states' customs organisations are therefore working together more extensively.

We also cooperate with customs organisations outside the EU. For example, with colleagues from the Australian Border Force. We exchange information to combat drug smuggling, for instance. An important focal area: synthetic drugs from the Netherlands. These are often sent abroad by post, including to Australia.

International partnerships

  • World Customs Organisation (WCO): The Netherlands works on international customs policy in the World Customs Organisation. Businesses both inside and outside the EU benefit from the streamlined procedures.
  • Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM): a forum for Asian and European countries. The goal: To improve the relationship between Asia and Europe, including in the political, economic and cultural fields. For a more stable world order and economy.
  • Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC): an organisation working to improve cooperation between customs administrations and enforcement agencies in the Caribbean.
  • OLAF: the EU Anti-Fraud Office. OLAF investigates fraud, corruption and other activities that may harm the financial interests of the EU.

International workforce

Customs has an international network of attachés in countries including China, Brazil, Russia, Singapore (also for Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam) and the United Kingdom. Attachés are diplomatic officials who are there on behalf of Customs. They exchange information with other countries and work to establish good relationships with their government and business communities. That is how they create business opportunities for Dutch companies. We can also combat drug smuggling better by collaborating with local authorities.

We also have two customs officers at strategic locations: in Washington and in Brussels. In Brussels, we have a permanent representative who deals with the politics of the EU. In Washington, a 'financial council'. He focuses on tax policy, financial sector regulation and developments in US economic, monetary and fiscal policy.