The project aims to revolutionize aviation security and customs inspections by developing a rapid, non-intrusive, and efficient vapor baggage screening solution for airports, ahead of the implementation of ECAC EVD Standards 2 and 3 for hold and cabin baggage. With a strong focus on drug detection at airport arrivals—where 85% of drug seizures in Europe occur—the project provides new technology to police and customs authorities to increase inspection rates, efficiency, and drug databases, including NPS (New Psychoactive Substances).
SAUST adapts an existing Explosive Vapour Detection methodology, previously applied mainly to air cargo explosive screening, into a smaller, faster, and more affordable system tailored to luggage inspection, addressing different operational requirements through collaboration with SMEs and police experts.
The project develops a versatile, cost-effective screening technology capable of detecting drugs, explosives, tobacco, drug precursors, and other illicit substances, aiming to deliver a TRL 7 operational prototype while analyzing luggage scanning options to ensure airport logistics without disrupting passenger flow, with the potential to transform customs inspections that are currently largely manual.
PARSEC
PARCEL AND LETTER SECURITY
Securing Postal and Courier Flows
PARSEC develops new capabilities to detect threats and illicit goods in postal and express courier traffic, strengthening security in high-volume parcel and letter flows without disrupting trade or infringing privacy.
Multi-Threat Risk Assessment
The project addresses explosives, CBRN materials, drugs, counterfeit goods and other dangerous items through data-driven risk assessment that reduces false positives and supports efficient targeting and inspections.
Advanced Non-Intrusive Inspection
PARSEC combines flow simulation, data science and next-generation detection technologies, including photon-counting detectors, X-ray diffraction and neutron-based screening, integrated across the parcel delivery chain.
Connecting Research with Operational Customs
PEN-CP is the largest European network dedicated to customs security research and innovation. It brings together customs administrations, border authorities, researchers and technology providers to ensure that EU-funded solutions respond to real operational needs.
Through structured practitioner engagement, PEN-CP acts as a bridge between research projects and end-users.
Supporting Innovation Uptake
PEN-CP facilitates:
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Validation of research results with customs practitioners
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Dissemination of project outcomes across Member States
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Feedback loops between technology developers and operational users
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Cross-project synergies within the EU security research landscape
By connecting projects like BORDERLINK with real customs services, PEN-CP ensures that innovation translates into practical operational impact.
Evidence-Based Policy & Strategic Studies
PEN-CP produces annual strategic studies and technical reports on emerging risks, customs innovation and illicit trade trends. These analyses support EU policy development and strengthen the role of customs in security, sustainability and trade facilitation.
The network provides a trusted forum for discussing future customs reform, digitalisation and technological deployment.