Save the date: 1-3 July 2026, Customs Laboratories European Network 9th International Seminar

Under the theme “Fostering unity in uncertain times”, this Seminar will bring together customs chemists from across Europe and beyond to exchange knowledge, address emerging challenges, and share scientific expertise. The event will focus on strengthening collaboration among customs laboratories, national administrations, and key stakeholders - including forensic laboratories, the chemicals industry, research institutes and academia - to tackle pressing issues in scientific customs.

Key themes 

The Seminar will explore four key areas shaping the future of scientific customs:

1. Crisis preparedness in customs laboratories - Addressing strategies for ensuring laboratory resilience during crises (e.g., pandemics, natural disasters, cyber threats) and promoting cross-border collaboration
2. Artificial intelligence in customs - Exploring AI tools for enhancing customs laboratories efficiency and promoting innovation and new IT solutions
3. Consumer protection - Highlighting advanced scientific methods in detecting counterfeit goods, hazardous substances and non-compliant products, ensuring safer markets and informed consumers
4. Combatting illicit drugs - Sharing methods for identifying and analysing emerging drugs and strengthening international collaboration 

Call for contributions

We invite customs chemists, forensic experts, industry professionals, researchers and academics to submit a brief description of their proposed topics for oral or poster presentations on the themes outlined above.

Deadline for submission: 31 December 2025

Send your abstracts to: taxud-clenec [dot] europa [dot] eu (taxud-clen[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu) 

Customs laboratories