Durban’s X-ray scanning gets unqualified thumbs up

The mobile X-ray scanner operated in Durban container terminal (DCT) by SA Revenue Service (Sars) since March has been an unqualified success, according to André Erasmus, senior manager of trade consultants, Deloitte. And after its latest threemonth trial run (due to be completed in early-November) doing a target-based, nonintrusive inspection of imports and exports at the DCT, it should be tried-and-tested and ready for the roll-out of X-ray scanners to the other container ports – probably before yearend. “Reading between the lines,” Erasmus said, “it would seem to have been a successful introduction for the scanning system. “But I also think that the first period of operation has been mostly focused on container exports to the US – falling under the container security initiative (CSI), which Sars has been running in co-operation with the US and Canada. “Potentially suspect containers destined for US and Canadian ports are examined by joint agreement between Sars and the US bureau for customs and border protection (CBP) and Canadian border security agency (CBSA).” But the latest test run, he said, was likely to predominantly focus on checking-out imports. The big benefit of the unit, Erasmus added, is that it replaces the time-consuming and costly manual inspection of container cargoes. “Until now,” he said, “customs inspections meant a physical unpacking of a container or consignment, often exposing the goods to damage and/or theft, cost elements and delays that affect retail prices or export competitiveness.” This was confirmed by Sars customs projects and initiatives manager André Kritzing, who told FTW that the R20-million scanner had started paying for itself in busts and time saving as soon as it began operating. With unpacking no longer necessary, he reckoned that it saved anything between R7 000 and R30 000 per container. According to Erasmus, it expands customs’ enforcement capability – offering increased efficiencies; operational effectiveness and compliance; mitigating potential health, safety and security threats; and facilitating legitimate trade.