Benefits at a glance
Ease of use
Swift detection of contraband
Enhanced agent safety
Customer needs
As part of their missions related to security, trade regulation, and citizen protection, customs authorities are required to regularly inspect shipping containers in transit at seaports, airports, logistics warehouses, and land borders. For security purposes, customs controls prevent smuggling by seeking to prevent the illegal entry of goods such as drugs, weapons, counterfeit products, or protected animals and plant species. Container nondestructive visual inspection also allows for the identification of dangerous or explosive substances that could endanger the population or the environment.
Customs container inspections serve to regulate trade by verifying compliance with import and export regulations, including quotas, standards and duties. These inspections also detect customs fraud, such as undervaluation and misdeclaration.
To protect public health and the environment, customs authorities inspect food, medical products, and waste in containers to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Finally, inspections help combat the trafficking of protected animal and plant species.
To carry out these inspections, customs authorities have a range of tools at their disposal, which vary depending on the size of the container, the nature of the goods, the associated risk level, and available technologies. The choice of inspection method depends on a combination of factors and aims to strike a balance between security, efficiency and the smooth flow of trade. Customs container inspections are carried out using two main techniques: nondestructive visual inspection with opening of the container and non-intrusive inspection without physical opening. Customs equipment for container inspection includes handling tools, cutting tools, ladders and platforms, flashlights and UV lamps, magnifying glasses and cameras. Customs authorities are constantly seeking easier and faster solutions to inspect containers in the shortest possible time with the least risk to officers.
The telescopic camera is a valuable tool for customs container inspections. Portable and easy to deploy, it allows for a complete nondestructive visual inspection of a container from the doors without the need for unloading. A pole camera enables the rapid detection of illicit objects or substances, such as drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods, or undeclared merchandise, significantly accelerating customs clearance processes. Telescopic camera inspections are non-destructive, preserving the integrity of the cargo and reducing handling costs associated with a full manual search of the container. The captured images and videos provide irrefutable visual evidence of the items found in the container, which can be used for investigative and follow-up purposes. A pole camera offers an efficient and reliable solution for container inspection, improving the security, compliance and efficiency of customs and logistics operations.
/// Easy to transport and set up
/// All-round view
/// Quick and efficient inspection
/// Meet customs’ needs
Solution / Equipement
- Visioprobe 45mm pole camera
- Ergonomic unit control
- 5,6m telescopic pole
- 10-15m cable
French customs authorities have selected the Visioprobe telescopic camera to pre-inspect containers and determine the need for further inspection. The inspection camera is easy to use and quick to deploy and operate. It is used from outside the container to ensure maximum operator safety. When a container inspection is scheduled, a two-person team can comfortably carry out the nondestructive visual inspection from outside the container. After opening the doors, operators install the 45mm Visioprobe inspection pole camera on the telescopic pole via a 10/15m cable connected to the control unit. After finding an insertion angle into the container, operators push the remote inspection camera as far as possible and easily observe the inspection details on the control unit to identify suspicious items. The pole camera‘s lighting allows for inspection of the container’s rear. Additional lighting can provide even more comfort. The complete solution weighs around 3.5 kg, allowing a single operator to handle the system while the second operator observes the images on the control unit. Container inspections can be carried out quickly and easily, and determine the need for further inspection in a short time.
The Visioprobe telescopic camera has significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of french customs container inspections. Its ease of use and ability to access hard-to-reach areas have made the Visioprobe pole camera an invaluable tool for detecting illicit goods and ensuring compliance with regulations.