Improving Customs Transit Systems
In the Islamic Countries
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Box 5: ACTS Common CRM
One of the main objectives of the ASEAN Computerized Transit System (ACTS) is to apply a common risk
management technique. This is essential for risk management purposes so that each Customs office involved in
a transit movement knows automatically in real-time whichmovements are en route, when they can be expected
and whether they have been correctly discharged. The planned ACTS risk profiling scheme will be used to allow
the reliable traders "simplifications” or exemptions from a range of standard CRM requirements.
2.1.8 New Technologies and Trends for Management at Border Crossing Points
It is essential to set up effective internal and external communication mechanisms in order to
create appropriate interfaces between border agencies on national and international level.
Emphasis can be put especially on neighboring countries, countries of origin of significant flows
of goods, strategically relevant exporting and importing countries, as well as relevant
international organizations (e.g. WCO CEN, CENComm). Communication between border
services can be enhanced at local (between BCPs), bilateral (neighboring countries) and
multilateral/regional level.
One concrete form of cooperation may be a systematic exchange of data and information (in real
time or with minimum latency) that will allow monitoring the movements of goods and means
of transport on the national and regional levels. Regional initiatives may be expanded upon in
bilateral agreements – based on peer to peer basis. The exchange of data and information with
the authorities of the neighboring countries should be institutionalized.
In 2012, UNESCAP published a Study on “Model on Integrated Controls at Border Crossings”
intended to establish an efficient and effective information management system enhanced with
integrated use of modern equipment, technologies and solutions.
2.1.8.1 Automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR)
Automatic number-plate recognition uses optical character recognition on means of transport
registration plates or/and container code to read and insert the number plates/container code
in CDPS, Closed-circuit television (CCTV) or law enforcement databases (for Customs Risk
Management - CRM purpose).
Box 6: ANPR System used by UK and French Customs
The French Government has borrowed success from the IT to create a “smart border” at Calais in order to
maintain speedy movement of goods once the UK leaves the European Union.
The customs declarations are identified via the means of transport number plate upon arrival at the customs
facility (port or Eurotunnel terminal): electronic registration of the number-plate and customs forms (also
known as “pairing”) enables the means of transport to be tracked as it goes through the facility, especially when
it crosses the border. Thus, upon arriving in France, the customs declarations will automatically be directed to
the CRM channeling (green, yellow, red, blue, or orange) depending on the status of the transported goods45 .
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