KRA has installed two more drive-through scanners at the Port of Mombasa to complement the Standard Gauge Railway drive-through scanner and three other fixed scanners. The new scanners will now enable KRA to scan 100% containerised cargo imported and exported through the Port of Mombasa.

One of the scanners, stationed at the Second Container Terminal of the port, can scan out-of-gauge containers up to a height of six metres. The other scanner is stationed at Kapenguria Yard, where the installation of a third scanner is expected to begin soon.

How will the scanners aid in trade facilitation?

The non-intrusive equipment will enhance global trade facilitation and promote the integrity of the supply chain by detecting concealed and mis-declared cargo, which not only creates unfair competition, but also poses a risk to the security and safety of the society.

How effective are they?

Well, the drive-through scanners can scan more than 100, 20-feet containers per hour. It takes a few seconds to scan a container, unlike the scenario with fixed scanners, which have a performance of approximately six minutes per container and an average of 10 containers per hour.

Will this reduce physical inspection?

Non-intrusive inspection technology such as X-ray or gamma-ray imaging type equipment gives Customs an opportunity to have a quick insight of a container load without the need to open and unload it. This helps officers in either confirming or resolving the risk assessment, which reduces the number of unnecessary physical inspections.

How will this impact Revenue collection?

KRA's huge investment in non-intrusive tools at the port is expected to be reflected in the reduction of the cargo dwell-time at the port, enhanced trade facilitation through faster movement of raw materials and enabling KRA to collect more revenue.

The faster clearance would also lead to lower cost of production, which may translate to cheaper goods and services for consumers, higher economic development and better living standards for people.

Integration with iCMS

The scanners are in the process of being integrated with iCMS by linking iScan with the system, where the scanner verdict is deposited to enable the Customs officer to make a quick decision about clearing a consignment.

In June 2005, the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council adopted the SAFE Framework of Standards to secure and facilitate global trade that would act as a deterrent to international terrorism, help nations to secure revenue collection and promote trade facilitation worldwide.

The SAFE Framework is considered the global Customs community’s concerted response to threats to supply chain security, a tool for supporting facilitation of legitimate and secure businesses.

According to WCO, this unique international instrument endeavours to usher in a safer world trade regime and a new approach to working methods and partnership for both Customs and business towards a common goal based on trust.

By Victor Mwasi