How Smart Customs Builds Smart Ports

The Smart Customs Blueprint plays a crucial role in facilitating the development of Smart Ports, especially in rendering the Smart Boundary Management as well as Smart Trade Facilitation and Business Development. Since 2019, the Hong Kong Customs has formulated a Smart Customs Blueprint by employing innovative technologies to implement a series of smart initiatives, covering the extension of customs role, expansion of the service regime, and enhancement of customs functions through the four-pillar concept. Specifically, the Smart Boundary Management as well as Smart Trade Facilitation and Business Development are the key to building up Smart Ports. On Smart Boundary Management, the Hong Kong Customs has incorporated AI and big data analytics such as CT scanners, Cargo Big Data System, Customs Virtual Robotic Ambassador and Smart Control Point to facilitate more speedy clearance. On Smart Trade Facilitation and Business Development, the Hong Kong Customs has put in place smart initiatives, including the Trade Single Window, the Single E-lock Scheme and the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (HKAEO) Programme, to enhance seamless clearance and trade facilitation. Further, the Hong Kong Customs will collaborate with the Smart Customs, Smart Borders, and Smart Connectivity (3S) Initiative of Mainland Customs to foster the development of Smart Ports in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.