It’s been amazing to watch how almost every aspect of global life has been digitized in some shape or form over the past several years – and customs is no different. The question is, which aspects are changing? And is it for the better?
Three Digital Customs Trends
It’s possible that customs has never played a bigger role in the movement of citizens around the globe than it does today. In 2022 and beyond, customs departments have two heightened responsibilities, in addition to the dozens of other tasks they face.
The first heightened responsibility deals with international terrorism and the identification of individuals who may be on terrorism watch lists. Customs departments must be properly equipped and vigilant to identify and stop these threats before they enter their country.
The second heightened responsibility has to do with COVID. Between COVID protocols and various vaccine policies, customs has to be on high alert to screen potential violators and serve as a sort of “stopgate” at various entry points into the country.
This increased emphasis on customs over the past couple of years has led to much needed technological advancement and investments in digital infrastructure. This includes several major trends and happenings.
- Global Customs Systems
Customs systems used to operate in silos. Each country had its own system with its own records. In order to gather information, they’d often have to contact someone from another customs department and cross-reference records and files. Over the years, this has changed.
Digital technology has advanced rapidly and customs departments are now able to tap into data from other customs departments, government agencies, open-source platforms, commercially available databases and multilingual news sources to gather real-time information on individuals.
While there are definitely potential complications as it pertains to data privacy, data ethics, and other legal issues that need to be properly addressed, the cohesion of global systems and databases is a net positive for customs departments around the world (and it wouldn’t be possible without advanced digitization). - New ETIAS Requirements
Beginning in 2023, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is requiring an ETIAS waiver for travelers from visa-exempt countries in order to enter the Schengen Area (the area comprising the 26 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control across shared borders).
The ETIAS is not a visa, but rather an essential travel document. It allows tourists and business travelers to visit any/all Schengen countries for up to 90 days. Thankfully, the entire ETIAS application process can be completed online prior to Europe trip.
“Applying for an ETIAS will require a passport along with a computer or mobile device having internet connection as well as a valid form of payment,” ETIAS.com explains. “We approximate the application will take 20 minutes to complete yet this could vary depending on the number of additional fields you may be required to fill-out.”
At first, ETIAS may seem like an added layer of complexity for travelers and customs departments, but it actually streamlines the process and can make things easier on all involved.
- Traceability of Goods
Customs is also responsible for the movement of goods in and out of the country. And while supply chains have been hit pretty hard over the past couple of years, there have been advances in how customs departments trace goods.
“New technologies like radio frequency identification systems (RFID), the Internet of Things (IoT), geolocation tools, electronic seals for container and trailer doors, and OCR license plate readers make it possible to track cargo, vehicles, and the people driving them,” Beyond Borders reports.
These systems are capable of being deployed at key points like warehouses, production centers and even roads that connect airports, seaports, and land border crossings. In capturing this data, customs authorities are able to identify patterns and spot potentially fraudulent operations.
Moving the Industry Forward
Customs departments around the world have experienced significant growth and advancement over the past couple of years. This industry has exhibited an ability to adapt and change to rapidly evolving regulations in the midst of one of the most major pandemics of modern times. And while there are still plenty of opportunities for growth moving forward, the future of the industry appears to be in good hands. There are plenty of advancements to be excited about.