The Cargo and Personnel Screening Conference concluded yesterday in Dubai with recommendations from participants to give more focus on better cooperation between customs administrations and more technology to be involved in the screening process. The event ran for two days (20th-21st February) at the Dusit Thani hotel in Dubai, and was organized by International Quality & Productivity Center (IQPC) in strategic partnership with Dubai Customs. The conference highlighted the latest innovations in screening and detection technology for the prevention of cross-border crimes in the GCC and beyond.
Experts from law enforcement organizations and the private sector took part in the event. The participants highlighted the importance of electronic linkage between the GCC customs administrations, being members of a federal customs union. They also advised other customs administrations to benefit from Dubai Customs’ rich experience, especially in the effective use of the risk engine which helps in analysing data and identifying risks.
Participants called for using the latest technologies in screening and inspection, plus the development of 3D and x-ray imaging to help enhance safety and protect societies from illegitimate and hazardous shipments.
Asma Fakhri, UNODC Regional Programme Manager said: “The exchange of knowledge and expertise is very important in customs field, especially with the world now getting more globalized. This will enhance security and save time and cost, and at the same time, it will streamline customs processes between countries.
“The Container Control Programme is a collective effort from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the World Customs Organization. It aims at providing more training on risk analysis and adoption of latest technologies in inspection. Prevention is better than cure and enabling customs administrations to analyse the manifest before shipments arrive into a country will be a good breakthrough in this field”.
A Dubai Customs case study on Integrating X-Ray technology with a high standard internal environment was presented by Falah Khalil Al Sammak, Manager of Passenger Customs Operations at Dubai International Airport.
The Bags Smart Customs Inspection System was taken as an example.
“Our Bags Smart Customs Inspection System is the world’s first-of-its-kind inspection system. It has been in operation at Dubai airports. It was invented by Dubai Customs to better facilitate Customs inspection staff’s functions in a swift and innovative manner. The system aims to improve the customs experience for air travellers, ensuring smooth and seamless entry procedures” Al Sammak explained.
Dawood Mohammed Al Zarouni, Head of Data Analysis Section at Customs Intelligence Department had a presentation on the risk engine which was internally developed by Dubai Customs.
“The 100% in-house developed ‘Risk Engine’ is a smart system connected to multiple channels of resources streamlining data on customs declarations of shipments and individuals as well. The system is managed by Dubai Customs Intelligence Department; and is responsible for profiling and analyzing different types of data in order to identify risks and intercept suspected shipments.
The system helps towards reduce risks and enables Dubai Customs to streamline its services” Al Zarouni explained.
A brainstorming session in the conference saw Dubai Customs come up with a number of innovative ways in preparation for the future. Transparent containers, satellite inspection, robots, smart runways, drones and 3D imaging are some of the ideas presented by Dubai Customs.
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