Detection and characterisation of threats or illegal/ smuggled goods in cargo

Scope: Today’s global economy and high-volume trade flows require much and fast transport to deliver products worldwide. Traders and consumers expect quick and easy transactions, while customs administrations face the challenge of controlling the goods without disrupting their flow. This is exploited by organised crime and terrorist organisations, which take advantage of the large amount of goods to conceal threats or illegal and/or dangerous materials in legal commercial cargo, with the aim of causing damage, disruption, or of it illegally crossing borders unnoticed. Customs authorities must ensure a high level of compliance with both security and revenue objectives: trafficked materials may represent a threat, and undetected smuggled licit materials entering the EU deprive the Member States of the revenue due if the material had been legally traded. In addition, illegal trafficking can have an impact in the environment (such as biodiversity loss or deforestation) or for the EU citizens’ safety and health. The air and maritime cargo contexts present security challenges as well as high potential consequences of threats, primarily but not limited to explosives and incendiary devices. Air cargo can represent continuity assurances to cope, at least in the short term and for critical lines, with supply chain and/or distribution crises; while maritime cargo remains the most common transport mode in global trade. The risk for well-concealed materials not being detected during screening, or the risk of concealment during the supply chain is pressing. Logistical hubs also need to strengthen their capabilities to adapt to sudden changes, and customs authorities need to mobilise their available resources to ensure efficient and fast controls. The need for better mobility and improved agility for customs is accompanied by the need to deploy scalable solutions, that are interoperable with other systems to facilitate co-sharing of equipment between BCPs and between Member States. Innovation actions funded under this topic should develop and test solutions for cargo security, relevant to one or more transport modes (maritime, air, postal, road, or rail); and usable at one (or more) crucial point(s) of the supply chain. Innovation can also develop enhanced capabilities for customs to detect illicit, regulated and / or dangerous goods and transactions, and to be able to effectively characterise them in a timely manner. Improved tracking and tracing capabilities will facilitate the seizing of the materials while contributing to collecting data and evidence to further support investigations and prosecutions. Proposals are expected to address one of the following options that should be explicitly selected: Option a: security of cargo Option b: detection of smuggled and trafficked goods/materials in cargo Detection capabilities should target one or more type(s) of dangerous, illicit and/or illegal goods or materials, including: explosive or incendiary devices; illicit drugs and their precursors; illegally traded species, including covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and considering the Regulation on Deforestation-free Products [1] ; illegally traded cultural property; contraband; trafficked weapons; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRN-E) material or precursors; F-gases; and/or various modi operandi related to cross-border trafficking, including involving cargo. Where the identification of illegal goods cannot be achieved without opening containers (for example, in the case of species or their parts), and where imagery, chemical, or molecular tests are required, appropriate measures should be established to reduce the response time between sampling and expert assessment, thereby minimizing disruption to the flow of goods. Examples of technologies and approaches that can be explored by the research actions include (non-prescriptive and non-exhaustive): smart active defuse systems, sensors, artificial intelligence, tracking and tracing systems, distributed ledger technologies, non-intrusive inspection, automated threat recognition systems, and screening and scanning systems. Equipment and technologies enabling increased security of cargo should contribute to cost and energy efficiency, limit their environmental impact and being more sustainable when they will be taken up in the future. An increased security of air cargo, furthermore, should not be regarded as an incentive to use air transport when this has a higher environmental and emissions impact, but prioritised on critical supply lines and/or situations. Proposals received under this topic should demonstrate how the project would integrate the perspective for the whole supply chain, from load to delivery. Proposed solutions should be interoperable with the different relevant equipment and systems deployed by the customs authorities. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions would align with existing interoperability standards (if any), and consider issues of cybersecurity and EU technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Proposals submitted under this topic are expected to align with the customs reform (if adopted) and customs policy priorities, and the projects should, once started, align with the policy priorities of the proposed EU Customs Authority and its Data Hub (if established). Coordination among the successful proposals from this topic should be envisaged to avoid duplication and to exploit complementarities as well as opportunities for increased impact. To ensure the active involvement of and timely feedback from relevant security practitioners, proposals should plan a mid-term deliverable consisting in the assessment of the project’s mid-term outcomes, performed by the practitioners involved in the project. Research projects should consider, build on (if appropriate) and not duplicate previous research, including but not limited to research by other relevant EU Framework Programmes projects on security research. Proposals should delineate the plans for further development to subsequent TRLs as well as uptake (industrialisation, commercialisation, acquisition and/or deployment) at national and EU level, should the research deliver on its goals. The results of the research should be taken up by EU customs authorities with the support of the Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI) and/or subsequent funding opportunities, or the proposed EU Customs Authority and its Data Hub (once established). Synergies within civil security can be an asset, for example with Better protect the EU and its citizens against Crime and Terrorism and Resilient Infrastructure. Technology Readiness Level - Technology readiness level expected from completed projects Activities are expected to achieve TRL 4-5 by the end of the project – see General Annex B. [1] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/forests/deforestation/regulation-deforestation-free-products_en

Eligibility and submission conditions

"> General conditions 1. Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System. 2. Eligible Countries described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide . 3. Other Eligible Conditions Subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks. The following additional eligibility criteria apply: This topic requires the active involvement, as beneficiaries, of at least 2 Customs Authorities from at least 2 different EU Member States or Associated Countries. For these participants, applicants must fill in the table “Information about security practitioners” in the application form with all the requested information, following the template provided in the submission IT tool. If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used). described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. 4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds To ensure a balanced portfolio, grants will be awarded to applications not only in order of ranking but at least also to one proposal that is the highest ranked within each of the two options: Option a, and Option b; provided that the applications attain all thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual . 5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes. 6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or to the exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provision of Annex 5. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [This [decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf ]]. Beneficiaries must provide financial support to third parties. The support to third parties can only be provided in the form of grants. The maximum amount to be granted to each third party is EUR 100 000 to support the expected outcomes of the topic and effective collaboration and/or coordination with additional relevant national Customs Authorities, including testing and validation activities within the projects; the organisation of testing and validation activities also justifies the maximum amount to be granted to each third party indicated above. described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific conditions described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme] Some activities resulting from this topic may involve using classified background and/or producing of security sensitive results (EUCI and SEN). Please refer to the related provisions in section B Security — EU classified and sensitive information of the General Annexes. Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA): Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) Standard application form (HE RIA IA Stage 1)   Standard application form (HE RIA IA Stage 1 BLIND) Standard application form (HE CSA)   Standard application form (HE CSA Stage 1)   Standard application form (HE CSA Stage 1 BLIND) Standard application form (HE RI)   Standard application form (HE PCP)   Standard application form (HE PPI)   Standard application form (HE COFUND)   Standard application form (HE FPA)   Standard application form (HE MSCA PF)   Standard application form (HE MSCA DN)   Standard application form (HE MSCA SE)   Standard application form (HE MSCA COFUND)   Standard application form (HE MSCA COFUND CE) Standard application form (HE ERC STG)   Standard application form (HE ERC COG)   Standard application form (HE ERC ADG)   Standard application form (HE ERC POC)   Standard application form (HE ERC SYG)   Standard application form (HE EIC PATHFINDER CHALLENGES)   Standard application form (HE EIC PATHFINDER OPEN)   Standard application form (HE EIC TRANSITION)   Standard application form (HE EIC STEP) Standard application form (HE EIC Accelerator stage 2 - full proposal) Standard application form (HE EIC Accelerator stage 1 - short proposal) Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations   Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)   Standard evaluation form (HE CSA)   Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA and CSA Stage 1)   Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA and CSA Stage 1 BLIND) Standard evaluation form (HE PCP PPI)   Standard evaluation form (HE COFUND)   Standard evaluation form (HE FPA)   Standard evaluation form (HE MSCA)   Standard evaluation form (HE EIC PATHFINDER CHALLENGES)   Standard evaluation form (HE EIC PATHFINDER OPEN)   Standard evaluation form (HE EIC TRANSITION)   Standard evaluation form (HE EIC Accelerator stage 1 - short proposal)   Standard evaluation form (HE EIC Accelerator stage 2 - full proposal)   Guidance HE Programme Guide   Model Grant Agreements (MGA) HE MGA   HE Unit MGA   Lump Sum MGA   Operating Grants MGA   Framework Partnership Agreement FPA   Call-specific instructions   Detailed budget table (HE LS)   Information on financial support to third parties (HE)   Information on clinical studies (HE)   Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?" Additional documents: HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2023–2025 – 2. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 3. Research Infrastructures HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 4. Health HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 5. Culture, creativity and inclusive society HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 6. Civil Security for Society HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 7. Digital, Industry and Space HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 9. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 10. European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 11. Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 12. Missions HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 13. New European Bauhaus Facility (NEB) HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 14. General Annexes HE Main Work Programme 2023–2025 – 13. General Annexes EIC Work Programme 2025 ERC Work Programme 2026 HE Programme Guide HE Framework Programme 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment   EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement   Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual   Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions   Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement

Programme context

Proposals submitted under this Destination should contribute to the expected impact of the Horizon Europe strategic plan 2025-2027: “facilitating legitimate movement of passengers and goods into the EU, while preventing illicit acts”. This Destination will support the implementation of the European Commission Political Guidelines 2024-2029, with research and innovation for future border management contributing to resilience and competitiveness. This includes investing in the update and development of future European digital and integrated border management that respects and promotes EU values. This will contribute to equip European border, coast guards and customs authorities with the future European state-of-the-art solutions, as well as to the preparedness and capabilities to manage future challenges across the EU external borders, including potential instrumentalisation of migration, hybrid attacks, migrant smuggling, and trafficking linked to transnational terrorism and/or organised crime. Research and innovation under this Destination will focus on preserving and securing the basic right to feel secure and on protecting and promoting fundamental rights as a priority for both European citizens and third country nationals. It will do so by funding projects which will study, develop and test possible future solutions that both strengthen, and make safer, European borders. Projects funded under this Destination will promote technological and social research and innovation and further explore and develop solutions that enhance the technological sovereignty of European authorities, in the areas of border management, customs and supply chain security, and civilian aviation and maritime security. To this end, proposals should contribute to the achievement of one or more of the following impacts: explore and develop future capabilities for European users in the areas of border management, customs and supply chain security, and civilian maritime security, in particular in the capability areas of: border surveillance; facilitating travel and legitimate trade; assessing and managing risk; strengthening the Schengen area without introducing internal border controls; maritime, aviation, land transport, cargo and customs security; supply chain resilience; detecting and identifying threats; interoperability and cybersecurity of EU information systems and equipment; safeguarding and promoting fundamental rights in the context of border management. Research and innovation funded under this Destination will contribute to policy objectives such as: the Multiannual Strategic Policy for European Integrated Border Management [1] ; the implementation of the Capability Roadmap of the European Border and Coast Guard [2] and its updates; the proposals to strengthen EU legislation to prevent and fight against migrant smuggling [3] ; the proposals on digitalisation of travel documents and facilitation of travel [4] ; the new European Internal Security Strategy [5] ; the new Counter-Terrorism Agenda; the European Preparedness Union Strategy [6] ; the EU Port Strategy; the civil security aspects of the updated EU Maritime Security Strategy [7] and of the European Ocean Pact; the Copernicus service for Security [8] improving crisis prevention, preparedness and response in four key areas: Border surveillance; Maritime surveillance; Support to EU External and Security Actions, R&D for Earth Observation Security; the EU Cable Security Action Plan [9] ; the new European action plans against drug trafficking and against weapons trafficking; the proposals for EU Customs reform [10] , including the proposed EU Customs Authority and Data Hub; the security aspects of the Comprehensive EU toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce [11] ; the security aspects of the Competitiveness Compass for the EU [12] . Research and innovation will contribute to sustain and improve capabilities to cope with potential future critical situations or emerging challenges regarding both the flow of people and the flow of goods across external EU borders. These capabilities may include but not limit to: monitoring, preparedness and reaction in border management tasks, managing irregular or illegal activities involving people or goods across external borders of the EU; safeguarding and promoting fundamental rights and EU values, and ensuring legal compliance, in efficient border management; efficiency, performance, environmental impact and reaction in border management tasks in all geographical and meteorological conditions; integrated and continuous border surveillance, situational awareness and analysis support; safety, user experience and performance of practitioners’ staff in border management; security, privacy and usability of identity and (travel) documents and credentials; facilitating travel of bona fide passengers across external borders of the EU; prevention, detection and disruption of trafficking of dangerous, illicit and illegal goods and materials through external borders of the EU and the supply chain. Furthermore, research and innovation under this Destination will contribute to: safeguard the technological sovereignty of the EU in critical security areas by contributing to a more competitive and resilient EU security technology and industrial base; lower the environmental impact and footprint of border, customs and supply chain security tasks, through innovative solutions and methods; integrate and improve safety and cybersecurity of EU information systems, of innovative equipment, and of information and data in these areas, especially during their exchange at operational or tactical levels; improve interoperability both among proposed solutions and also with future technological developments in the areas of border management, customs and supply chain security, and civilian maritime and aviation security. Research projects funded under this Destination should engage with all stakeholders involved, including travellers, migrants, and operators, as relevant. Projects should align and contribute primarily to the realisation of the Capability Roadmap of the European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG) published by the EBCG Agency (Frontex), especially the Roadmap’s mid- and long-term perspectives. The Roadmap provides strategic vision for investments into the development of capabilities and is the result of integrated planning between the Member States and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. Proposals submitted under this Destination should explain the alignment primarily with the Capability Roadmap and the plans for further uptake of the research outcomes, especially by involved practitioners in line with their national Capability Development Plans. Frontex will be closely associated with and will assist Member States and the European Commission in drawing up and implementing relevant research and innovation activities. The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) may also assist the European Commission on relevant research and innovation activities and specific topics. At the proposal preparation stage, Frontex and/or eu-LISA will not provide guidance on or otherwise be involved in the preparation of project proposals. However, proposals should consider and anticipate that Frontex and/or eu-LISA may observe pilots and demonstrations during project implementation to facilitate the future uptake of innovations within the border and coast guard community. To accomplish the objectives of this Destination, additional eligibility conditions have been defined regarding the active involvement of relevant security practitioners or end-users in the research projects’ consortia. Cross-community and cross-authority synergies within civil security can be an asset, for example in relation to combat crime and terrorism (across external borders); Disaster-Resilient Society (regarding natural hazards and disasters); Resilient Infrastructure (regarding threats to infrastructures, coming from across borders). Proposals submitted under this Destination should demonstrate how they plan to build on relevant predecessor projects; to consider the citizens’ and societal perspectives; to include education, training and awareness raising for practitioners and citizens; to measure the achieved TRL. Proposals should delineate the plans for further development to subsequent TRLs as well as uptake (industrialisation, commercialisation, acquisition and/or deployment) at national and EU level, should the research deliver on its goals. Knowledge and technologies developed by research funded under this Destination may be taken up or tested operationally with co-funding of instruments such as the Integrated Border Management Fund, in its components of the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI) and Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI), and/or subsequent funding instruments. Member States authorities participating in research projects are encouraged to use those instruments for uptake (piloting, testing, validation, scale-up, transfer, acquire, deploy, etc.) of innovative solutions developed from research, as early as TRL 7. Research projects should consider, build on (if appropriate) and not duplicate previous research, including but not limited to research by other Framework Programmes projects. Successful proposals under this Destination are invited to cooperate with other EU-led or EU-funded initiatives in the relevant domains, such as the Knowledge Networks for Security Research & Innovation funded under Horizon Europe Cluster 3, or other security research and innovation working groups set-up by the Commission or EU Agencies. Funded projects are encouraged to liaise with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), for example with regards to a possibility of testing the relevant research outputs at the JRC Border Security Lab. Where possible and relevant, synergy-building and clustering initiatives with projects in the same area should be considered, in coordination with the Community for European Research and Innovation (CERIS) [13] . Cluster 3 will further incentivise the use of European Space Programmes’ services for border management innovation where relevant and their services and capabilities, including demonstration and validation of new technologies in operational environments. Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination. For additional information please see “Restrictions on the participation of legal entities established in China” found in General Annex B of the General Annexes. [1] COM (2023) 146 final. [2] FRONTEX MB Decision 16/2024. [3] COM/2023/754 final; COM/2023/755 final. [4] COM (2021) 277 final; COM (2024) 670 final. [5] COM/2025/148 final. [6] JOIN(2025), 130 final. [7] JOIN/2023/8 final. [8] Regulation (EU) 2021/696 [9] JOIN(2025) 9 final [10] COM (2023) 257 final; COM (2023) 258 final – 2023/0156(COD); COM (2023) 259 final – 2023/0157(NLE); COM (2023) 262 final – 2023/0158(CNS). [11] COM(2025) 37 final. [12] COM(2025) 30 final. [13] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/ceris-community-european-research-and-innovation-security_en

Hivatkozott dokumentumok

Annex A Horizon Europe Programme Guide Online Manual [This [decision Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) Standard application form (HE RIA IA Stage 1) Standard application form (HE RIA IA Stage 1 BLIND) Standard application form (HE CSA) Standard application form (HE CSA Stage 1) Standard application form (HE CSA Stage 1 BLIND) Standard application form (HE RI) Standard application form (HE PCP) Standard application form (HE PPI) Standard application form (HE COFUND) Standard application form (HE FPA) Standard application form (HE MSCA PF) Standard application form (HE MSCA DN) Standard application form (HE MSCA SE) Standard application form (HE MSCA COFUND) Standard application form (HE MSCA COFUND CE) Standard application form (HE ERC STG) Standard application form (HE ERC COG) Standard application form (HE ERC POC) Standard application form (HE ERC SYG) Standard application form (HE EIC PATHFINDER CHALLENGES) Standard application form (HE EIC PATHFINDER OPEN) Standard application form (HE EIC TRANSITION) Standard application form (HE EIC STEP) Standard application form (HE EIC Accelerator stage 2 - full proposal) Standard application form (HE EIC Accelerator stage 1 - short proposal) Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) Standard evaluation form (HE CSA) Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA and CSA Stage 1) Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA and CSA Stage 1 BLIND) Standard evaluation form (HE PCP PPI) Standard evaluation form (HE COFUND) Standard evaluation form (HE FPA) Standard evaluation form (HE MSCA) Standard evaluation form (HE EIC PATHFINDER CHALLENGES) Standard evaluation form (HE EIC PATHFINDER OPEN) Standard evaluation form (HE EIC TRANSITION) Standard evaluation form (HE EIC Accelerator stage 1 - short proposal) Standard evaluation form (HE EIC Accelerator stage 2 - full proposal) HE MGA HE Unit MGA Lump Sum MGA Operating Grants MGA Framework Partnership Agreement FPA Detailed budget table (HE LS) Information on financial support to third parties (HE) Information on clinical studies (HE) Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?" HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2023–2025 – 2. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 3. Research Infrastructures HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 4. Health HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 5. Culture, creativity and inclusive society HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 6. Civil Security for Society HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 7. Digital, Industry and Space HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 9. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 10. European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 11. Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 12. Missions HE Main Work Programme 2025 – 13. New European Bauhaus Facility (NEB) HE Main Work Programme 2023–2025 – 13. General Annexes ERC Work Programme 2026 Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions