In the traditional sense, the customs administration is a fiscal agency, a part of state apparatus in charge of collecting customs and excise duties and other taxes and controlling the flow of import and export of goods. In the perspective of today's globalized world riddled with conflicts, opposing ideologies, instability and full with legal and illegal groups of people whose goal is quick and easy profits – societies face various threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, smuggling of drugs and other contraband, trade in endangered species, putting unsafe products on the market, violating intellectual property rights, terrorism financing, money laundering and many others. The role of customs is ever more increasing in stopping and preventing these activities. These illegal activities, in addition to destroying the trust in state organizations and institutions, spread corruption and insecurity, they also cause great deal of damage to de state budget. In this work we will look at the legal basis in the context of the customs administration within the member state and within the Union with a reference to the structure and scope of the customs administration. The paper analyzes certain aspects and the role of customs in the protection of society through the fight against the gray economy, traffic controls, health and environmental protection with a special review given to the smuggling of goods. The effects of smuggling, certain methods of preventing and controlling smuggling and the results are described in this paper. Smuggling is one of the oldest trades, and it will never be completely eradicated. Customs has the role of reducing smuggling and other illegal activities to the lowest possible level with an extremely important role in protecting the fiscal and security interests of society. In doing so customs uses all legally permitted methods, tools, techniques and technologies in accordance with the law.