Hong Kong Customs to use bridge cargo super-vision

A gantry type X-ray vehicle inspection system at the Hong Kong boundary Delta Bridge crossing facilities can fully scan two trucks simultaneously within 10 minutes.

The equipment has been installed at the Passenger Inspection Building on the Hong Kong-side checkpoint to optimize customs clearance capacity.

An import from the United States, the inspection system is engineered to highly penetrate into dense objects such as loaded trucks and containers. Its dual-energy transmission X-ray imaging is a reliable way to detect contraband and such materials as weapons, drugs, and explosives.

The ability to dual-task means the system can scan about 15 to 20 units per hour, according to a designer. It is labor-saving -- almost twice as fast as other models -- and easy to maintain.

The Hong Kong Customs & Excise Department revealed that the Single E-lock Scheme will enhance clearance of cross-boundary intermodal transshipment cargo. Under a 2016 plan, Hong Kong's Intermodal Transshipment Facilitation Scheme (ITFS) is interconnected with Speedy Customs Clearance (SCC) of the Customs administrations of Guangdong Province. It uses a single electronic lock and global positioning to monitor and safeguard cargo security.

At present, there are about 20,000 cross-boundary trucks traveling between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. Given the savings in time, they are likely to make crossing the bridge their preferred route, according to Stanley Chiang Chi-wai, chairman of the Hong Kong Land Transport Council.