Glossary > #Customs and Security Control

Customs and Security Control of Shipping Containers

Customs and security control of shipping containers is a necessary step for ensuring safety and compliance with regulations in global trade. This process includes identification of containers, customs and security control, and ensuring the technical condition of containers. Compliance with these procedures helps prevent smuggling of illegal goods, terrorist attacks, and ensures the safety of transported goods.

Shipping containers represent a key element of global trade. Every day, thousands of containers containing various types of goods are transported around the world. To ensure safety and compliance with regulations, it is necessary to subject these containers to thorough customs and security control. This process includes several steps that are key to ensuring the integrity and legality of transported goods.

Container Identification

The first step in checking shipping containers is their identification. Each container has a unique identification code that is standardized according to international ISO standards. This code, known as the BIC code (Bureau Internacional des Containers), contains 11 alphanumeric characters. Thanks to these codes, customs authorities can easily identify the container owner, its number, and check digit. This system significantly simplifies the process of tracking and controlling containers worldwide.

Customs Control

Customs control is a key step in the import and export of goods. Customs authorities conduct this control to ensure compliance with customs regulations and prevent smuggling of illegal goods. The customs control process includes several phases:

  1. Submission of customs declaration: Importers and exporters must submit a customs declaration containing detailed information about the transported goods. This document is mandatory and serves as the basis for further steps of customs control.
  2. Document inspection: Customs authorities review documents attached to the customs declaration, including invoices, shipping documents, and other relevant documents. The aim is to verify the accuracy of the data and determine whether the goods comply with regulations.
  3. Physical inspection: In some cases, customs authorities conduct physical inspection of containers. This inspection may include opening the container and inspecting its contents to determine whether the goods match the declared information and whether illegal goods are present.

Security Control

Security control is another important element in the transportation of shipping containers. This control focuses on preventing terrorist attacks, smuggling of weapons, and other dangerous materials. Security control includes several steps:

  1. Use of security seals: Each container is equipped with security seals that ensure the container has not been opened without authorization. These seals are designed so that any attempt at unauthorized manipulation of the container can be immediately detected.
  2. X-ray inspections: Some containers may be subjected to X-ray inspections, which allow customs and security authorities to determine the contents of the container without the need to open it. X-ray images can reveal hidden dangerous materials or illegal goods.
  3. Use of detection dogs: In some cases, specially trained dogs are used for security control, which are capable of detecting the presence of drugs, explosives, and other dangerous substances.

Importance of Technical Condition of Containers

The technical condition of containers also plays a key role in the customs and security process. Containers that are in poor technical condition may pose a risk to the safety of goods and persons handling them. Therefore, it is important to regularly conduct inspections and maintenance of containers to ensure their safety and reliability.

Some containers may be damaged or have deficiencies due to age, repairs, or missed service inspections. Such containers may negatively affect the securing of transported cargo and transport capacity. Therefore, it is important that transport companies and container owners ensure regular inspection of technical condition and perform necessary repairs.