On 28โ29 April 2026, EUCAB experts from Belgium, Germany, Estonia and Ireland conducted a diagnostic mission at the Vรกclav Havel Airport in Prague. Neither an inspection nor an audit, the primary objective of the diagnostic mission was to observe customs control activities in real-time operational conditions, identify strengths and weaknesses, and provide recommendations for addressing identified shortcomings based on best practices applied across other EU Member States.
The missionโs main focus
- passenger traffic and control procedures;
- air cargo operations;
- the rapidly growing e-commerce segment was subjected to special scrutiny;
- while postal customs clearance and express consignments will be expertised in the future
Operational priorities of the border surveillance department of Prague Customs
Approximately three quarters of the agenda took place in the operational environment, particularly within the airport premises and terminal areas, where the participants observed both passenger control procedures and cargo handling operations. EUCAB experts were introduced to operational procedures applied by Czech frontline customs officers, potential security threats and the use of customs control technologies and equipment. They took part at a demonstration of a mobile X-ray inspection system used for baggage screening. The programme also included a visit to the Customs Canine Training facility in nearby Knฤลพeves, where handlers and sniffer dogs demonstrated the detection of targeted commodities.
A thorough analysis in view of a final evaluation report
A comprehensive report expected to be issued by EUCAB, providing an overall assessment of the visit together with specific recommendations aimed at further strengthening the effectiveness of customs controls, evaluating the suitability of customs control technologies and equipment, and identifying potential weaknesses along with proposals for improving operational procedures.
A third step in a series of EUCABโs diagnostic missions at EU airports
EUCABโs diagnostic mission at the Prague airport was the third step in a series, following previous visits to Dublin Airport and a combined mission in Zagreb and Ljubljana focused on postal hubs. Prior pilot missions had also taken place at major European hubs including Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Luxembourg, Liรจge and Cracow.
Facts and figures
- Up to 18.9 million passengers expected in 2026
- 96 481 tons of air cargo and mailing in 2025, an increase of 48 % compared to 2024
- 58 672 tons of imports (61 % of the total) in 2025, an increase of 83 % compared to 2024
- 17.6 million import declarations in 2025 vs 5.6 in 2024
- Main areas of competence: controls of import, export and transit operations; controls of cash transportation; confirmation of exit of goods for VAT refund
- Main areas of cooperation: international sanctions, military material and dual-use goods; international risk analysis for targeting consignments for control
