Gov’t to use X-ray machines to combat smuggling, speed up cargo examination

Seven X-ray machines valued at an estimated $30-million will soon be utilized at the country’s major seaports to combat smuggling and speed up examination of inbound and outbound cargoes.

The National Development Co. (NDC) and the Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC) have been designated to finance and procure the seven container X-ray machines. It will then be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Both the NDC and the PITC are attached agencies of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The PITC will make the necessary canvassing of the machines from foreign sources although it is still uncertain which of the government agencies will undertake the bidding and selection process.

In an interview, Trade Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said the machines would not only be used to battle smuggling. "It will be used to speed up examination of shipments and movement of inbound and outbound cargoes."

He added this would send a clear message to smugglers that the government is serious in its crackdown efforts. The country’s revenue collection from the BOC continues to suffer from outright and technical smuggling despite efforts to quell it.

The trade department also said utilizing the container X-ray machines will make it easier to entice foreign investors. The machines would reduce the inspection time undertaken by the Customs bureau although spot-checking versus 100-percent inspection has been utilized on and off by the bureau.

Developed countries like Hong Kong and Singapore also utilize X-ray machines as human intervention has proven time-consuming and inefficient. Likewise, human intervention in inspection of shipments has also opened opportunities for corruption and pilferage.

Trade officials said that the acquisition of the container X-ray machines is a joint undertaking of the trade department and the Department of Finance (DOF).