Customs Inspection Research Articles

Evaluation of the return of investments in transport route development

The network of Russian railways provides the movement of goods and passengers both within the country and in the context of international transport, through which goods from different countries go in transit. In Russia the railway lines are double-track and fully electrified on the main directions of the EastWest transport corridor. The modernization of the branches from the Trans-Siberian railway to the state border with China and Mongolia continues. The paper describes the business model of the project, the corresponding calculations for managerial decisions on the launch of a direct train route Novosibirsk – Urumqi and return. During the study, the monitoring of existing routes of passenger traffic was carried out: the capacity of railway routes, frequency, duration and capacity of alternative crossings. The result of the study is a developed model for launching a project of a direct connection between Novosibirsk and Urumqi and return. The paper describes the stations that are of particular importance for the route – the place of customs inspection, rearrangement of wheel sets of cars due to the different wheel gauge of neighboring countries. The result of the study is a multifunctional model of a transport route that allows analyzing the economic parameters of any route of a railway communication. According to the model, it is possible to analyze various parameters of the revenue side of the project, calculate the amount of investments and indicators for the assessment of the effectiveness of real investments.

Aspects of modeling the main production processes of wood enterprises

This article describes the main production processes at forest industry enterprises. The container has free space for the process of goods delivery, which enables customs inspection with partial unloading of goods. This enables to have enough time to inspect the container. It is believed that the costs associated with carriers are increasing. The ratio of free and occupied space when loading a container is not obvious. Two approaches to process modeling have been considered. The methods and algorithms for transport processes simulating have been presented. A solution to the problems of optimal container loading during customs control has been proposed. A simulation model of roundwood transportation across the borders has been implemented, which enables to determine the optimal loading volume of containers in order to minimize the time for customs clearance. The proposed option of partial loading reduces the time of customs inspection, which significantly reduces the costs associated with transportation of timber products, as well as the risk of customer refusal from the products delivered out of schedule.

Review of radiation incidents in the territory of the Voronezh region

The aim of the work was to characterize the radiation incidents that took place in the territory of the Voronezh region. Materials and methods. To prepare this article the stock data of the radiological laboratory of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Voronezh Region for 2009-2018 was used. All measurements in the investigation of radiation incidents were carried out with the MKS-AT1117M dosimeter-radiometer which passed the state calibration. The equivalent dose rate of gamma radiation (μSv/h) was determined. Results. For the last 10 years, 8 radiation incidents were registered on the territory of the Voronezh region, which were related to domestic clocks - 4 (measurements according to citizens), the detection of orphan sources of ionizing findings - 2, scrap metal - 1 and a thermometer - 1 (during customs inspection). According to the classification of emergencies, the radiation incidents are local, i.e. do not go beyond the territory of the facility, according to the international scale of nuclear and radiological events, INES refer to the incident (anomalies) with the level 1 “minor problems with the safety of components, a radioactive source of low activity level”. All interactions in the investigation of radioactive incidents involving specialists from the radiological laboratory of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Voronezh region with other services showed a good level of rapid response.

Country Note: Customs And Fiscal Control In Poland As A Radical Measure To Eliminate Tax Evasion

Many European countries with stable market economies have recently taken measures to seal their own tax systems. A noticeable phenomenon are the modifications in the organization and functioning of tax administrations and in the existing procedures for the control of taxpayers with respect to the tax law. Customs and fiscal control, which was recently introduced in Poland, is an example of a new control procedure aimed at eliminating tax evasion and combating tax fraud, especially carousel transactions in value added tax. The introduction of this control was preceded by the establishment of a special Customs and Fiscal Service within the modernized National Fiscal Administration. In the article, the author analyses and evaluates the regulations contained in the Act on National Fiscal Administration that concern the fundamental aspects of performing customs and fiscal control. In this contribution, the author emphasizes that the very broad scope of the subject matter of customs and fiscal control allows for a significant amount of freedom for authorities in shaping the control policy and modifying it depending on the risks involved. The exploitation of the powers granted by tax authorities in a disproportionate manner is a source of tax disputes initiated by the controlled taxpayers. Customs and fiscal control in the area of tax law compliance is one of four tax procedures in force in Poland that is aimed at verifying compliance with tax obligations. Although these procedures should be autonomous, in practice, the dualism of control has been maintained. Customs and fiscal control precedes tax proceedings and automatically transforms into these proceedings without any formal initiation. This is a completely innovative legal instrument that allows for rapid investigation and determination of the amount of tax arrears. In this author’s opinion, a customs and tax inspection is a special procedure for obtaining and collecting evidence that is subsequently employed in tax proceedings. Tax law, tax administration, custom and fiscal control, tax evasion.

Система управління митними ризиками в контексті спрощення митних процедур

Introduction. The article emphasizes that the current features of the implementation of foreign economic activity require consideration of two factors that are contradictory to each other. In particular, on the one hand, the growth of external threats is forcing the governments of many countries to tighten control measures when crossing the state border of goods and commercial vehicles. On the other hand, according to international conventions and agreements (Kyoto Convention, WMO Framework Standards for Security, WTO Facilitation Agreement), measures to reduce the interference of regulatory authorities in the operational activities of economic operators are envisaged. In this context, the use of risk-oriented customs control tools, which allow simplifying business without reducing the level of national security, is becoming especially important. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to generalize and systematize foreign and domestic approaches to simplification of customs procedures through the use of risk-oriented instruments of customs control, as well as to develop their own proposals for simplification of foreign trade entities in the domestic regulatory field by using subject-oriented criteria. Results. The authors analyzed the provisions of the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures, the Framework Standards for Security and Facilitation of International Trade, the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation, which are provided for significant simplification of international trade procedures by reducing the share of customs inspections and controls. Сustoms security, customs clearance of goods and vehicles on the territory of the subjects of foreign economic activity or in another place permitted by the customs, without the direct participation of customs officials. These measures are based on the widespread use of risk-oriented instruments of customs control. It is noted that some of the provisions of international conventions and agreements on the use of risk-oriented instruments of customs control and simplification of economic operators have been implemented in domestic customs legislation, namely Art. 320 of the Customs Code of Ukraine introduced selective customs control, it is determined that the forms and scope of control sufficient to ensure compliance with legislation on state customs and international treaties of Ukraine in customs clearance are selected by customs (customs posts) based on the results of risk management. Conclusion. The study analyzes the peculiarities of the customs risk management system application in customs control in Ukraine, and offers proposals for the use of subject-oriented criteria of customs control as a simplification for honest economic operators to reduce the selectivity of risk profiles ASUR.

Countries of origin of imported COVID-19 cases into China and measures to prevent onward transmission

HighlightFrom 11 March to 6 July 2020, a total of 268 imported cases of COVID-19 from abroad were confirmed in Guangzhou. 74% of the imported cases were detected during customs inspection and 19% under centralized quarantine. We advocate for legally enforced quarantine and monitoring of quarantined persons.

Risk management in customs inspections of goods

The article reveals the main applied aspects of the procedure of inspection of goods and commercial vehicles at the present stage of development of the customs sphere and the legislation of Ukraine on customs matters. In the context of legislative innovations and changes in customs practice, the authors highlight the basic aspects of the implementation of such principles of customs control as selectivity and minimization of customs control when checking the customs declaration for risk in the Automated Risk Management System. In addition, the authors highlighted the features of the choice of forms of customs control by the Automated Risk Management System. It is determined that the automatic system, which is a risk management system, does not perform the format-logical control (does not check the authenticity of consignment, shipping and commercial documents (their structural construction), does not check the authenticity of prints on the forms of these documents, etc.). In this case, the application or non-application of forms of customs control in case of failure of the risk management system (green) will be based on professional qualities and special principle stand of the customs official of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, which is authorized to conduct customs control and customs clearance of goods and vehicles of the commercial purpose under such customs declaration. Through the prism of the study of the provisions of the order of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine dated May 29, 2012 № 623 “On approval of the Procedure for inspection and re-inspection of goods, commercial vehicles” it is concluded that some of its provisions regulate time standards (of the head of customs clearance and the declarant, the carrier) of the notification of the inspection of goods, commercial vehicles (“notorious” 10 minutes). It is proposed to change the time of notification (head of the customs clearance department and the declarant, the carrier) about the inspection of goods, commercial vehicles up to 30 minutes. It is noted that 10 minutes is not enough to analyze the forms of customs control generated by the risk management system, and sometimes even to study and understand the customs official of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, which is authorized to carry out customs control and customs clearance of goods, commercial vehicles for commercial purposes under the customs declaration.

Retrospective analysis of the on-site treatment of the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic on the Costa Crociere cruise

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic is the most widespread global pandemic in the past 100 years. Person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 infection leads to the major threat of human safety and health. At 00:00 on January 24th, 2020, Tianjin City launched the first-level response to the COVID-19 epidemic. At 18:00 on the same day, Management Committee of Dongjiang Free Trade Port Zone of Tianjin received areport that there were 15 people who had fever on the Costa Crociere carrying 4 806 people from Japan back to the home port of Tianjin Dongjiang Cruise. At the same time, there are more than 140 Chinese Hubei tourists. Tianjin Municipal Committee and Government, Tianjin Customs, Binhai New Area District Committee Government, Tianjin Health Commission, Tianjin Binhai New Area Health Commission formed an emergency command center immediately to deal with the epidemic comprehensively. At 06:40 on January 25th, 2020, the medical investigation team made up by Tianjin Binhai New Area Health Commission and Tianjin East Administration of Customs boarded the cruise ship. With reference to the customs inspection and quarantine regulations, in accordance with the Diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus (trial version 3) for mulated by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China and the Novel coronavirus infected pneumonia port control and technology plan (first version) formulated by the General Administration of Customs, combined with the actual situation of cruise ships, the medical investigation team developed the inspection standards, including door-to-door inspections, temperature measurement and epidemiological investigations on all persons on board of the cruise ship. A total of 4 806 person-times were investigated in the affected area, including 3 706 tourists and 1 100 crew members. Seventeen people at high risk of COVID-19 were identified, including three Wuhan tourists. The reports of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) nucleic acid detection on throat swab samples for those who were identified as high risk were returned as all negative at 14:54 on the same day. At 19:30, the medical investigation team completed the investigation and evacuated the cruise ship. The temperature measurement, medical observation and resettlement of passenger were handed over to relevant personnel. After 2 weeks, the follow-up result of 2019-nCoV nucleic acid of 17 high risk people were all negative. The overall command and comprehensive coordination of the onshore command center together with the rigid principles and excellent responds ability of the on-site epidemic investigation team ensured the successful completion of the epidemic investigation work, and also provided reference for further improving the management and disposal capacity of public health emergencies at sea.

The improvement of customs authorities interactions with enterprises on the base of innovative technologies implementation

Introduction. Establishment of foreign economic relations between the countries in the field of customs activity involves the mutual use of methods of foreign economic activity regulation. The penetration and rapid spread of information technologies, the development of the transport system, and scientific research have led to the diversification of foreign economic relations, where customs relations have acquired a different character and the use of innovative technologies is becoming increasingly important. The purpose of the paper is to study the peculiarities of innovative processes occurring in the customs authorities and to determine the directions of improving communications with enterprises using innovative technologies. Results. It is found out that a lot of foreign customs authorities use various innovations, including radio frequency scanning, block chain technologies, laser technologies, biometric tunnels, “smart entry”, drones, virtual assistant, flying SpectroDrones and others. The classification of innovative customs technologies of customs control which are divided on product and process technologies is offered in the scientific work, thus product customs innovative technologies allow to receive and analyze information even before the crossing of the customs border or the arrival of the vehicle at customs, and process technologies provide an opportunity to conduct customs inspection more effectively. The developed model is aimed to improve the interaction between customs bodies and the enterprises on the basis of implementation of innovative technologies and formation of criteria of assignment of the special code to the enterprise that gives "green light" and possibility of making a quick decision at the checkpoint by the lower divisions of the customs service. Conclusion. The main factor of the improvement of the interaction of customs authorities with enterprises based on the introduction of innovative technologies is the complete computerization and informatization of the entire customs process, as well as the accumulation and use of customs history to identify goods and participants of the FEA, which create a potential threat to the security of the FEA.

세관 감시선의 선내 위치변화에 따른 멀미도 지수에 대한 연구

세관 감시선의 선내 위치변화에 따른 멀미도 지수에 대한 연구

Intelligent method of customs inspection platform based on machine vision

In the existing customs inspection, the inspection of outbound goods includes recording the arrival time of containers, opening and closing of containers, and the departure time of containers. This method takes a lot of time to manually record the relevant information of each container and manually input it to the server. This paper presents an intelligent method of customs inspection platform based on machine vision, through the analysis of collected video information processing, the inspection of each node in the process of time, behavior, such as digital processing, database, automatically record each inspection position of the box, opening time, sorting, inspection, packing, closing time, leaving time, behavior, compliance and other information. It greatly improves the efficiency and safety of container inspection and avoids the random and uncertain behavior of manual record. This system can automatically record the dynamic changes of containers in the storage yard in real time without anyone participating, improve the digitization and accuracy of the information of container state changes, reduce the working intensity of customs personnel, and reduce the working risks of personnel in the storage yard.

A fast classification method based on sequential Bayesian analysis for figures in irradiation images

Radiography is often employed to analyze whether a closed container contains the targeted object in customs inspection, medical diagnosis and arms control verification. Based on the analysis of whether the irradiation image of the closed container contains the specific figure of the targeted object, one can determine the existence of the targeted object effectively. In the figure determination of the irradiation image, the classification and identification of the figures is a key technique. In many cases, considering the time cost of radiography, the existence determination of the targeted object should be done as fast as possible, and fast classification and identification of the figures in the irradiation image is required. In this paper, a fast figure classification method based on the sequential Bayesian analysis with the ability of fast classifying the figures in irradiation images is proposed. First, the theoretical framework of this method was established. Second, the feasibility of this method in analyzing positive irradiation images (the data point density of the image region where the inspected object locates is higher than those of other image regions) was proved by establishing its mathematical models. Third, through the Monte Carlo numerical simulation, the feasibility of this method in analyzing negative irradiation images (the data point density of the image region where the inspected object locates is lower than those of other image regions) was also proved. At last, the feasibility of this method in classifying the complicated figures in irradiation images by establishing and identifying figure templates was proved through the numerical simulation calculation. • A fast figure classification method based on the sequential Bayesian analysis is proposed. • This method can make fast classification of the figures in irradiation images. • The theoretical framework of this method was established. • Numerical simulation studies prove the feasibility of this method.

A systematical approach to classification problems with feature space heterogeneity

PurposeFeature space heterogeneity exists widely in various application fields of classification techniques, such as customs inspection decision, credit scoring and medical diagnosis. This paper aims to study the relationship between feature space heterogeneity and classification performance.Design/methodology/approachA measurement is first developed for measuring and identifying any significant heterogeneity that exists in the feature space of a data set. The main idea of this measurement is derived from a meta-analysis. For the data set with significant feature space heterogeneity, a classification algorithm based on factor analysis and clustering is proposed to learn the data patterns, which, in turn, are used for data classification.FindingsThe proposed approach has two main advantages over the previous methods. The first advantage lies in feature transform using orthogonal factor analysis, which results in new features without redundancy and irrelevance. The second advantage rests on samples partitioning to capture the feature space heterogeneity reflected by differences of factor scores. The validity and effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified on a number of benchmarking data sets.Research limitations/implicationsMeasurement should be used to guide the heterogeneity elimination process, which is an interesting topic in future research. In addition, to develop a classification algorithm that enables scalable and incremental learning for large data sets with significant feature space heterogeneity is also an important issue.Practical implicationsMeasuring and eliminating the feature space heterogeneity possibly existing in the data are important for accurate classification. This study provides a systematical approach to feature space heterogeneity measurement and elimination for better classification performance, which is favorable for applications of classification techniques in real-word problems.Originality/valueA measurement based on meta-analysis for measuring and identifying any significant feature space heterogeneity in a classification problem is developed, and an ensemble classification framework is proposed to deal with the feature space heterogeneity and improve the classification accuracy.

ДОБРОВІЛЬНЕ СТРАХУВАННЯ ГРОМАДЯНСЬКОЇ ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНОСТІ ПЕРЕД МИТНИМИ ОРГАНАМИ

Formulation of the problem. At present, in the conditions of the development of trade, international transportation is becoming more significant. However, despite this, insurance of civil liability to the customs authorities with the use of the International Road Transport Book in the Republic of Belarus shows a negative trend. The purpose of the research is to explore the features of civil liability insurance to customs authorities using the International Road Transport booklet in the Republic of Belarus and analyze its dynamics, as well as to identify possible trends in its development. The object of the research is the features and practical procedures for voluntary insurance of civil liability to customs authorities using the book of International road traffic in the Republic of Belarus. Methods used of the research. The use of the induction method allowed us to designate ways to improve the procedures for voluntary insurance of civil liability to the customs authorities. The hypothesis of the research. The negative tendency of civil liability insurance to customs authorities is partly related to restrictive conditions, under which the carriage of goods under the International Road Traffic System can be carried out. The statement of basic materials. The Convention on International Road Transport defines the carriage of goods carried without intermediate transshipment in road vehicles, their compositions or containers, crossing one or more borders, from the customs of departure to the customs of destination, provided that a certain part of the International Road Transport operation between its beginning and end is made by road. Goods transported in accordance with the International Road Transport Procedure are exempt not only from paying or depositing in the intermediate tariffs of import and export duties and taxes, but also from customs inspection in them. Originality and practical significance of the research. The procedure for the operation of civil liability insurance to customs authorities with the use of the International Road Transport booklet, taking into account the UN Customs Convention on the International Carriage of Goods, is disclosed. Conclusions of the research. Insurance organizations of the Republic of Belarus increase the demand for insurance of civil liability to the customs authorities using the book of International road traffic and popularize it among residents of the country. This will contribute to the development of not only the insurance market in the country, but also the maintenance of the status of the Republic of Belarus as an export-oriented country.

STATUS, EVALUATION AND DIRECTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT OF CUSTOMS CONTROL AFTER RELEASE OF GOODS

The directions of development of customs control after release of goods have been considered. The performance indicators of structural subdivisions of the customs authority have been analyzed. The problems of customs administration, associated with the organization of control after the release of good, have been revealed. The definition of the concept of «continuous customs control» has been disclosed. The author offers measures for improving the effectiveness of customs inspections, including the development of a methodological base, the application of risk management system, interaction with other public authorities, the use of electronic technologies, which contribute to the implementation of the tasks facing the customs authorities to create effective customs control.

A fast figure determination method based on sequential Bayesian analysis in radiography

Abstract In the fields of customs inspection, airport security inspection, medical diagnosis, industrial inspection and arms control verification, it is often necessary to use radiography to determine whether the targeted object is contained in a closed container. By analyzing whether the specific figure of the targeted object is contained in the irradiation image of the closed container, we can determine if the container should be opened for a further manual check. In many cases, considering the time cost of radiography, the determination should be made as soon as possible, which requires fast analysis of the figure information of the irradiation image. In this paper, a fast figure determination method based on the sequential Bayesian analysis is proposed. This method applies the sequential Bayesian analysis to the irradiation image analysis, and can make a fast determination of the existence of the specific figure according to the location information of the ray particles in the irradiation image. First, the theoretical framework of this method was established in this paper. Second, the mathematical model of this method was established, and its feasibility was also studied. The research results show that, this method can make an accurate and fast determination of the existence of the targeted figure in the irradiation image. Third, the factors influencing the figure determination speed of this method was analyzed in depth. At last, a Monte Carlo simulation study of this method was carried out: the physical model of the inspection scheme of industrial materials based on the X-ray transmission imaging was established, and the figure determination method proposed by this paper can make an accurate and fast determination of the existence of hole defects in the industrial materials according to the X-ray transmission images of the industrial materials, which proves the feasibility of the application of this method in radiography.

An Automatic Surface Defect Inspection System for Automobiles Using Machine Vision Methods.

Automobile surface defects like scratches or dents occur during the process of manufacturing and cross-border transportation. This will affect consumers’ first impression and the service life of the car itself. In most worldwide automobile industries, the inspection process is mainly performed by human vision, which is unstable and insufficient. The combination of artificial intelligence and the automobile industry shows promise nowadays. However, it is a challenge to inspect such defects in a computer system because of imbalanced illumination, specular highlight reflection, various reflection modes and limited defect features. This paper presents the design and implementation of a novel automatic inspection system (AIS) for automobile surface defects which are the located in or close to style lines, edges and handles. The system consists of image acquisition and image processing devices, operating in a closed environment and noncontact way with four LED light sources. Specifically, we use five plane-array Charge Coupled Device (CCD) cameras to collect images of the five sides of the automobile synchronously. Then the AIS extracts candidate defect regions from the vehicle body image by a multi-scale Hessian matrix fusion method. Finally, candidate defect regions are classified into pseudo-defects, dents and scratches by feature extraction (shape, size, statistics and divergence features) and a support vector machine algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate that automatic inspection system can effectively reduce false detection of pseudo-defects produced by image noise and achieve accuracies of 95.6% in dent defects and 97.1% in scratch defects, which is suitable for customs inspection of imported vehicles.

Dual-model analysis for improving the discrimination performance of human and nonhuman blood based on Raman spectroscopy.

The discrimination accuracy for human and nonhuman blood is important for customs inspection and forensic applications. Recently, Raman spectroscopy has shown effectiveness in analyzing blood droplets and stains with an excitation wavelength of 785 nm. However, the discrimination of liquid whole blood in a vacuum blood tube using Raman spectroscopy, which is a form of noncontact and nondestructive detection, has not been achieved. An excitation wavelength of 532 nm was chosen to avoid the fluorescent background of the blood tube, at the cost of reduced spectroscopic information and discrimination accuracy. To improve the accuracy and true positive rate (TPR) for human blood, a dual-model analysis method is proposed. First, model 1 was used to discriminate human-unlike nonhuman blood. Model 2 was then used to discriminate human-like nonhuman blood from the "human blood" obtained by model 1. A total of 332 Raman spectra from 10 species were used to build and validate the model. A blind test and external validation demonstrated the effectiveness of the model. Compared with the results obtained by the single partial least-squares model, the discrimination performance was improved. The total accuracy and TPR, which are highly important for practical applications, increased to 99.1% and 97.4% from 87.2% and 90.6%, respectively.

A Surrealist Writer’s Diary of a Twenty-One-Month Anthropological Expedition

A Surrealist Writer’s Diary of a Twenty-One-Month Anthropological Expedition

Adapting to new policy environment – past pattern and future trend in us-sino waste plastic trade flow

ABSTRACTPlastics are one of the most used materials in human activities, where consumer consumption and industrial production together has imposed vast rise in demand for this material in last century. While plastic is ideally derived from crude oil as a primary source from manufacturers’ perspective, varying crude oil prices are driving manufacturers economically to seek for alternative sources for plastics production. Waste plastic recovered from obsolete consumer products thus becomes an economic substitution for virgin plastics, which is further intensified with the possibility of international waste plastic trading. This study focuses on waste plastic trade between the US and mainland China by performing a correlation analysis of trade data. It is suggested in this study that although waste plastics are traded from the US to mainland China in general, as many of us believes, the route is gradually shifting in the past years. With tightening Chinese customs regulations, waste plastic from the US now tends to take a transit in a third destination (Hong Kong SAR for instance) for preliminary treatment to bypass Chinese customs inspection. Such phenomenon is worth noting, as a complication in waste plastic trading route hinders waste plastic transboundary movement monitoring. Furthermore, it will have adverse consequent consumer, industrial, and environmental impacts. It is thus necessary for national competent authorities to strengthen cooperative study and communication capacity in the future as a response to the changing waste plastic trade pattern.