Press Release: Operation SNAKE: EU and Chinese customs join forces to target undervaluation of goods at customs

EU and national authorities prevented losses of over €80 million in customs duties, during a major joint customs operation (JCO) coordinated by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). For the first time ever, it also involved Chinese customs authorities.

Operation ' SNAKE ' specifically targeted the undervaluation of imported goods, which causes huge losses to public budgets every year. Over a one month period, OLAF and the participating customs authorities detected more than 1,500 containers where the declared customs value was heavily undervalued. This included false descriptions of goods, false weights and quantities, and counterfeit goods.

The operational phase of Operation SNAKE took place from February to March 2014. Coordinated by OLAF and the Anti-smuggling Bureau of the General Administration of China Customs, it involved the customs administrations of all EU Member States, as well as those of the People's Republic of China.