Improving Customs Transit Systems
In the Islamic Countries
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2.1.8.2 Closed-circuit television (CCTV)
CCTV is a video surveillance system, widely used nowadays in different fields, and also can be
applied at border crossings for the purposes of border-crossing safety, traffic management, as
well as detection and prevention of smuggling and thefts. Apart from the border crossing, many
countries are using CCTV technology to control and monitor the activities of the means of
transport en route or in the cities (smart city systems). In many cases, police and customs have
a central/regional CCVT control rooms monitored by relevant officers. The CCTV
footages/videos are stored for the predefined timeframe and viewed and analyzed later (in the
Republic of North Macedonia up to 6 months).
2.1.8.3 Radiation Detection System
A radiation detection system (for travelers and consignment) is at the entry points - border
crossings to prevent the proliferation of radioactive materials and nuclear weapon precursors
and to ensure the safety of people and the environment. Radiation detection is usually not a
separate kind of border control and is being conducted in automatic mode. In case the
radioactive emission is detected, the control officers, who have received an alert signal from the
automatic system, call the service that is responsible for handling/disposal of dangerous goods.
2.1.9 Customs Seals
Customs seals are the physically secure mechanism used as a proof that the consignment at the
start of transit, en route , and at the destination are with the same status, quantities, and forms.
The traditional plastic, lead, and bolt seals are unsecured, easy for manipulation, and not
traceable. The only benefits of using the traditional seals are they are proof / evidence of opening
the sealed cargo area, and at low price comparing to e-seals technology. Opening of the
consignment (cargo area) by breaking the traditional seals, leave visible marks, but is not 100%
tamper-proofs, depending on the seal configuration and the skills of the criminals.
Seals and means of transport approved for use in the transit operation must, therefore, confirm
to well-specified criteria that guarantee their effective operation and security.
2.1.9.1 E-Seals transit tracking systems
New customs/transport seals use emerging technologies, and many types of e-seals are already
in use. These seals include a memory chip that is activated when broken. The e-seals are costly
in terms of initial capital cost (the price depend on the quantity) and operational maintenance
(life cycle of the hardware and software). There are numerous advantages of using e-seals:
 e-seals are ensuring the security of consignment, traceability and increase visibility (in
real-time);
 they conform to WCO - AEO requirements;