Innovation accelerator built for customs
PEN-CP is the innovation platform designed by customs for customs.
It enables customs administrations to define shared R&D priorities, shape their innovation agenda and cooperate on transformative solutions. Over the past six years, PEN-CP has become a trusted intermediary—connecting customs experts with universities, research institutes, start-ups and established security innovators.
Through this network, customs officers collaborate on community needs, explore cutting-edge solutions and track emerging and future technologies that can enhance performance across the EU Customs Union. Our extensive knowledge repository ensures that all member administrations—large and small—start on equal footing. PEN-CP helps customs move from passive observers of innovation to active drivers of technological progress, without overburdening their resources
Why a customs innovation network is needed
Customs authorities face growing responsibilities but limited capacity to monitor, test and adopt new technologies. Innovation often remains out of reach due to resource constraints and limited exposure to academic and industrial communities. PEN-CP addresses these gaps by incentivising customs-relevant research (for example ENTRANCE, PARSEC and BORDERLINK projects), providing accessible learning materials on emerging topics, and creating a shared environment for solution scouting, testing and knowledge exchange.
Why PEN-CP works
PEN-CP has succeed because it is built on an active network of customs experts and security innovators who collaborate continuously on shared challenges. The work is guided by three specialised Expert Groups focusing on data and analytics, detection technologies and laboratory equipment, ensuring that innovation activities are technically sound and operationally relevant. Over the years, PEN-CP has refined a set of tested innovation methods that maximisereturn on effort and deliver value for customs administrations.
What are the benefits the PEN-CP network
Fastlate to innovation
PEN-CP gives customs administrations a fastlane to innovation by providing early awareness of emerging technologies and solution providers, all reviewed by its expert groups for operational relevance. When new needs arise, the network can rapidly mobilise practitioners across borders, bringing together the expertise and resources required to respond quickly.
Gateway to projects
PEN-CP also acts as a gateway to projects, improving access to EU funding programmes and helping custos move efficiently from identified challenges to funded, real-world solutions. In addition, the network supports learning and awareness building through concise educational materials on themes such as Digital Product Passports, artificial intelligence, parcel screening and green customs.
Cost-efficient, lightweight organisation
All of this is delivered through a cost-efficient, lightweight organisation built on long-standing collaboration, trusted relationships and methods refined over years of practical experience.
PEN-CP engagement strategy
Customs-to-customs cooperation driving innovation
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Strengthening collaboration across European customs administrations and EU bodies such as EUCA, DG TAXUD, DG MOVE, DG CONNECT and DG GROW—organisations shaping the future of EU customs.
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Expert groups advancing work on data & analytics, detection technologies and laboratory equipment
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Task forces that scope, assess and shape the development of emerging technologies
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Joint exploration to support transformative policy and operational reform
Bridging customs and innovator communities
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Building strong links between customs administrations and universities, research organisations, start-ups and established suppliers.
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Sharing user needs and the “Customs voice” through workshops with industry
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Continuous monitoring of emerging technologies and innovation trends
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Strengthening cooperation to accelerate solution development and adoption
Customs and key stakeholders sharing experiences
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Collaborating with government agencies, security authorities, border services, police, ministries, supply-chain operators, Frontex and others.
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Exchanging knowledge on needs, opportunities and operational processes
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Joint workshops to identify shared innovation priorities
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Leveraging other agencies’ innovation tracks for customs-relevant applications