Innovating Customs Administration Services Through Advanced Technology

The Korea Customs Service (Commissioner: Ko Kwang-hyo) and the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister: Yoo Sang-lim) announced on October 31 that they demonstrated the achievements of their innovative customs administration technology at the Korea Science and Technology Center. The event included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between the two agencies.

The two agencies have been jointly implementing the “Customs Administration On-site Tailored Technology Development 1.0 Project (2021–2024)” to enhance customs management for the rapidly increasing volume of imports and travelers as well as to strengthen enforcement against increasingly sophisticated smuggling and illegal activities. This project aims to establish a world-leading science-based customs administration system.

The project involved seven research initiatives including the development of △ composite X-ray equipment for scanning small cargo and △ an AI-based system for identifying and tracking high-risk travelers using a distributed camera environment. After completing trials this year the agencies are now reviewing the full implementation of these innovations.

One notable achievement is the domestically developed composite X-ray scanner for small cargo which can precisely detect low-density substances such as drugs. Unlike traditional foreign transmission-based equipment this new scanner employs scattering methods to enhance interpretive accuracy. The technology developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute will be installed as a prototype at the Busan International Postal Center where its detection capabilities will be tested on real postal items starting in November. Additionally a fully localized handheld scanning device for public institutions has been developed potentially replacing foreign equipment.

With these advancements customs authorities expect to better detect concealed drugs in small parcels which is critical as drug use spreads beyond adults to youth presenting an effective countermeasure.

Moreover an AI-based system has been developed to identify and track high-risk travelers. This technology automates surveillance by using AI to monitor the movement of high-risk individuals through CCTV at airports and other facilities enhancing response capabilities and efficiency in surveillance tasks.

An intelligent X-ray image analysis training system has also been developed to improve staff’s detection capabilities. This system generates 3D images of hidden substances like drugs under various conditions improving detection rates of illegal items.

These research outcomes will be further assessed for practical application in customs settings with additional testing and potential integration into public procurement.

With the successful completion of the first phase the two agencies signed an MOU to ensure the success of the second phase the “Customs Administration On-site Tailored Technology Development 2.0 Project” starting in 2025 committing to enhanced collaboration and exchange.

The MOU focuses on jointly promoting research and development supporting verification and commercialization fostering related industries and job creation facilitating mutual use between research institutes and customs agencies and exchanging information through working committees.

Commissioner Ko Kwang-hyo stated “In the rapidly changing trade environment continuous research and technological innovation are essential” emphasizing that “we will work together with the Ministry of Science and ICT to ensure a safe and healthy society.”

Minister Yoo Sang-lim of the Ministry of Science and ICT noted “These achievements represent a leap in public service including the blocking of drug imports which concerns many citizens and contribute to public health and safety” and added “we will continue to work with advanced research institutes to enhance customs services.”

The two agencies plan to actively cooperate throughout all phases of the next project from identifying needs and selecting projects to research testing and application to ensure continuous improvement and effectiveness in customs administration.

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