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Photo Competition 2019

Photo competition 2019

  • ANGOLA: SMART borders - As the Angolan government is committed to facilitating trade and increasing mobility, it has mandated the Angolan General Tax Administration (AGT) to manage the threats inherent in cross-border flows of goods, people and means of transport. In order to do so, the AGT intends to implement the WCO “SMART Borders” concept.

    ANGOLA: SMART borders - As the Angolan government is committed to facilitating trade and increasing mobility, it has mandated the Angolan General Tax Administration (AGT) to manage the threats inherent in cross-border flows of goods, people and means of transport. In order to do so, the AGT intends to implement the WCO “SMART Borders” concept.

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  • AUSTRALIA: Paw-tecting Australia’s border - A detector dog inspects luggage at Sydney airport. Australian Border Force detector dogs are trained to detect prohibited and restricted goods. They can “search” people, bags and large areas quickly and efficiently without discrimination or intrusion.

    AUSTRALIA: Paw-tecting Australia’s border - A detector dog inspects luggage at Sydney airport. Australian Border Force detector dogs are trained to detect prohibited and restricted goods. They can “search” people, bags and large areas quickly and efficiently without discrimination or intrusion.

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  • BAHAMAS: Facing the future with confidence - Bahamian Customs officials undertake varied work with confidence as illustrated in this collage.

    BAHAMAS: Facing the future with confidence - Bahamian Customs officials undertake varied work with confidence as illustrated in this collage.

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  • Bangladesh : Surveillance through technology - Customs officials analyse an image generated by a non-intrusive inspection scanning device. Several scanners have been installed at different ports of entry in Bangladesh to enable efficient inspection without impacting the movement of goods too much.

    Bangladesh : Surveillance through technology - Customs officials analyse an image generated by a non-intrusive inspection scanning device. Several scanners have been installed at different ports of entry in Bangladesh to enable efficient inspection without impacting the movement of goods too much.

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  • Benin: Coordinated border management becomes a reality - The Directors General of Customs of Benin and Niger launch the interconnection of their respective computer systems at the Malanville one stop border post. Niger is a landlocked country that depends on Benin to import goods. Such an initiative is part of a coordinated border management policy, which aims to ensure the smooth flow of trade and cross-border movement of people as well as the optimization and security of Customs revenues in both countries.

    Benin: Coordinated border management becomes a reality - The Directors General of Customs of Benin and Niger launch the interconnection of their respective computer systems at the Malanville one stop border post. Niger is a landlocked country that depends on Benin to import goods. Such an initiative is part of a coordinated border management policy, which aims to ensure the smooth flow of trade and cross-border movement of people as well as the optimization and security of Customs revenues in both countries.

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  • Brazil: “Smoke Squadron” - A squadron of the Brazilian Air Force, known as the “Smoke Squadron,” at the airport serving Uruguaiana, a municipality bordering Argentina and Uruguay. The aeroplanes were coming from Argentina and heading to Uruguay where they were scheduled to perform next. Brazilian Customs and Federal Police undertook coordinated controls before the planes could continue their journey.

    Brazil: “Smoke Squadron” - A squadron of the Brazilian Air Force, known as the “Smoke Squadron,” at the airport serving Uruguaiana, a municipality bordering Argentina and Uruguay. The aeroplanes were coming from Argentina and heading to Uruguay where they were scheduled to perform next. Brazilian Customs and Federal Police undertook coordinated controls before the planes could continue their journey.

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  • Cameroon: In transit - In so-called fragile border areas, a flat tax is levied on means of transport and not according to the quantity and value of goods a truck is carrying. As a result, importers and exporters overload the means of transport, as illustrated by a truck from Nigeria transiting Cameroon to Chad.

    Cameroon: In transit - In so-called fragile border areas, a flat tax is levied on means of transport and not according to the quantity and value of goods a truck is carrying. As a result, importers and exporters overload the means of transport, as illustrated by a truck from Nigeria transiting Cameroon to Chad.

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  • Canada: Ship search - A Canada Border Services Agency officer in the Atlantic region of Canada approaches a vessel late at night to begin a search. Officers are on land and on water to protect Canadians around the clock. Photo: Jonathan McGrath

    Canada: Ship search - A Canada Border Services Agency officer in the Atlantic region of Canada approaches a vessel late at night to begin a search. Officers are on land and on water to protect Canadians around the clock. Photo: Jonathan McGrath

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  • China: Health and epidemic prevention control - As night falls, Customs officers walk towards a ship to conduct a health and epidemic prevention control at Gaolan International Container Terminal in Zhuhai, a pivotal port along the coast of Guangdong Province. When cargo ships berth at a port, such controls are seen as the first line of defence. In 2018, the Chinese government decided to integrate China’s entry-exit inspection and quarantine duties and workforce into China Customs. Photo: Yu Bo

    China: Health and epidemic prevention control - As night falls, Customs officers walk towards a ship to conduct a health and epidemic prevention control at Gaolan International Container Terminal in Zhuhai, a pivotal port along the coast of Guangdong Province. When cargo ships berth at a port, such controls are seen as the first line of defence. In 2018, the Chinese government decided to integrate China’s entry-exit inspection and quarantine duties and workforce into China Customs. Photo: Yu Bo

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  • Colombia: Linking borders - Modern technologies and skilled, vigilant human beings are needed to deploy effective controls and speed up operations across borders.

    Colombia: Linking borders - Modern technologies and skilled, vigilant human beings are needed to deploy effective controls and speed up operations across borders.

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  • Croatia: Safe view - Providing citizens with security and protection are the main goals of Customs. Customs mobile teams work day and night, in all weather conditions, to ensure these goals are met for the benefit of their own country’s citizens as well as those of the EU.

    Croatia: Safe view - Providing citizens with security and protection are the main goals of Customs. Customs mobile teams work day and night, in all weather conditions, to ensure these goals are met for the benefit of their own country’s citizens as well as those of the EU.

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  • Cuba: Waiting for instructions - A dog and its handler wait to be told which containers to inspect at the Mariel Container Terminal.

    Cuba: Waiting for instructions - A dog and its handler wait to be told which containers to inspect at the Mariel Container Terminal.

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  • Cyprus: Searching for drugs - Customs dog Fix has just smelled a suspicious substance located in a passenger’s luggage at Larnaca airport.

    Cyprus: Searching for drugs - Customs dog Fix has just smelled a suspicious substance located in a passenger’s luggage at Larnaca airport.

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  • Czech Republic: In the lab - Customs laboratory experts check a package for the presence of hazardous chemicals. As the package could contain highly toxic substances (e.g. Fentanyl), they use personal protective tools. Before testing the package content with a handheld Raman spectrometer, they record the weight and take a picture of the parcel.

    Czech Republic: In the lab - Customs laboratory experts check a package for the presence of hazardous chemicals. As the package could contain highly toxic substances (e.g. Fentanyl), they use personal protective tools. Before testing the package content with a handheld Raman spectrometer, they record the weight and take a picture of the parcel.

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  • Denmark: Small dog, big mission - Louie the sniffer dog looks very small among the long line of containers unloaded at the port, but his nose is a greater asset than you would imagine. Dogs such as Louie play an important role in safeguarding Denmark against the import of illegal and harmful goods.

    Denmark: Small dog, big mission - Louie the sniffer dog looks very small among the long line of containers unloaded at the port, but his nose is a greater asset than you would imagine. Dogs such as Louie play an important role in safeguarding Denmark against the import of illegal and harmful goods.

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  • Estonia: True smartness lies in good collaboration - No matter how good and innovative the technical support provided to our officers is, our most important force lies in good collaboration.

    Estonia: True smartness lies in good collaboration - No matter how good and innovative the technical support provided to our officers is, our most important force lies in good collaboration.

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  • Finland: Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer has nothing to declare

    Finland: Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer has nothing to declare

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  • France: Targeting on a highway - Customs officers observe traffic on a motorway in the south of France upstream of a checkpoint.

    France: Targeting on a highway - Customs officers observe traffic on a motorway in the south of France upstream of a checkpoint.

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  • Guyana: Embracing modern technology - Customs officers in their routine functions to safeguard revenue and facilitate trade: an officer uses a mobile device to track and trace stamped alcohol, another reviews documents at the country’s container scanning facility, and two others physically exam cargo at the wharf.

    Guyana: Embracing modern technology - Customs officers in their routine functions to safeguard revenue and facilitate trade: an officer uses a mobile device to track and trace stamped alcohol, another reviews documents at the country’s container scanning facility, and two others physically exam cargo at the wharf.

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  • Hong Kong: Rummaging in a confined space - A Customs officer is searching for contraband inside the confined area of a vessel.

    Hong Kong: Rummaging in a confined space - A Customs officer is searching for contraband inside the confined area of a vessel.

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  • Hungary: At the external border of the EU - Customs officers and finance guards of the Tax and Customs Administration are posted 24 hours a day at the borders with Serbia and Ukraine. These national borders are also the external border of the EU, a bloc of more than 510 million people.

    Hungary: At the external border of the EU - Customs officers and finance guards of the Tax and Customs Administration are posted 24 hours a day at the borders with Serbia and Ukraine. These national borders are also the external border of the EU, a bloc of more than 510 million people.

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  • INDONESIA: Easy, quick, and controlled A Customs Officer in Atambua scans a barcode using the cross-border application to offer a better service to the public in the region and in support of traditional activities. It helps the population to register their border card (KILB), eases the flow and facilitates the record of goods crossing the border between Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

    INDONESIA: Easy, quick, and controlled A Customs Officer in Atambua scans a barcode using the cross-border application to offer a better service to the public in the region and in support of traditional activities. It helps the population to register their border card (KILB), eases the flow and facilitates the record of goods crossing the border between Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

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  • IRAN: Technology and dogs - Two essential tools for fighting drug trafficking: technology and sniffer dogs.

    IRAN: Technology and dogs - Two essential tools for fighting drug trafficking: technology and sniffer dogs.

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  • Ireland: It’s in bag 22!!! - Customs detector dog Bill is a tobacco and cash detection dog. During an early shift in the local Postal Depot, he is seen in front of the post bag No. 22, which had cigarettes inside. He will not move until he gets his treat, a tennis ball. What a photo opportunity – Bill looking so focused and so pleased with his hit.

    Ireland: It’s in bag 22!!! - Customs detector dog Bill is a tobacco and cash detection dog. During an early shift in the local Postal Depot, he is seen in front of the post bag No. 22, which had cigarettes inside. He will not move until he gets his treat, a tennis ball. What a photo opportunity – Bill looking so focused and so pleased with his hit.

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  • Jamaica: Forging greater partnerships: reaching our customers where they are - The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) recognizes that strong partnerships with its stakeholders, through public education and other awareness building initiatives, can have a transformational impact on compliance. Against this background, the JCA has embarked on one of its most innovative stakeholder engagements, “Customs Meets the Community” (CMC), under the theme: “Reaching Our Customers Where They Are.” CMC helps the JCA to connect with a more diverse range of Jamaicans, including housewives, farmers, persons with disabilities and entrepreneurs, as well as with schools, charities, churches and community-based organizations, among others.

    Jamaica: Forging greater partnerships: reaching our customers where they are - The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) recognizes that strong partnerships with its stakeholders, through public education and other awareness building initiatives, can have a transformational impact on compliance. Against this background, the JCA has embarked on one of its most innovative stakeholder engagements, “Customs Meets the Community” (CMC), under the theme: “Reaching Our Customers Where They Are.” CMC helps the JCA to connect with a more diverse range of Jamaicans, including housewives, farmers, persons with disabilities and entrepreneurs, as well as with schools, charities, churches and community-based organizations, among others.

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  • Kazakhstan: Welcome to Kazakhstan - Customs officers display professionalism and friendliness towards a client.

    Kazakhstan: Welcome to Kazakhstan - Customs officers display professionalism and friendliness towards a client.

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  • Korea: Drones for three-dimensional surveillance - Following a two-year research pilot on the application of drones in port surveillance, the Korea Customs Service deployed an air, maritime and land surveillance system based on the use of drones, which enables it to effectively monitor trade operations. Busan Port, a maritime logistics hub in Northeast Asia, is pictured.

    Korea: Drones for three-dimensional surveillance - Following a two-year research pilot on the application of drones in port surveillance, the Korea Customs Service deployed an air, maritime and land surveillance system based on the use of drones, which enables it to effectively monitor trade operations. Busan Port, a maritime logistics hub in Northeast Asia, is pictured.

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  • Kyrgyz Republic: Future assistant - Although technologies and machines have become increasingly important in the Customs landscape, dogs remain our most reliable and friendly assistants.

    Kyrgyz Republic: Future assistant - Although technologies and machines have become increasingly important in the Customs landscape, dogs remain our most reliable and friendly assistants.

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  • Lithuania: Small but smart - Lithuanian Customs officers carry out inspections of cargo vessels that have arrived at Klaipeda seaport.

    Lithuania: Small but smart - Lithuanian Customs officers carry out inspections of cargo vessels that have arrived at Klaipeda seaport.

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  • Macao: Rescue action - A man lost control of his windsurfer due to low wind power at 1 nautical mile off Long Chao Kok in the southern part of Macao. Macao Customs Service immediately dispatched officers to rescue him, taking the man back to Cheoc Van beach safely.

    Macao: Rescue action - A man lost control of his windsurfer due to low wind power at 1 nautical mile off Long Chao Kok in the southern part of Macao. Macao Customs Service immediately dispatched officers to rescue him, taking the man back to Cheoc Van beach safely.

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  • Malawi:Time to celebrate - Customs officers seize 339.1 kg of cannabis sativa.

    Malawi:Time to celebrate - Customs officers seize 339.1 kg of cannabis sativa.

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  • Maldives: Water warriors - Customs officers board a luxury yacht during a rummage and inspection operation. Despite the rough seas, rain or hot weather, day and night, they are always ready and committed to attend to their call of duty. Over three quarters of the annual imports into the Maldives arrive by sea. The island nation also attracts a large number of tourist vessels each year.

    Maldives: Water warriors - Customs officers board a luxury yacht during a rummage and inspection operation. Despite the rough seas, rain or hot weather, day and night, they are always ready and committed to attend to their call of duty. Over three quarters of the annual imports into the Maldives arrive by sea. The island nation also attracts a large number of tourist vessels each year.

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  • Malta: Whatever the time - Whatever the day, time, or weather, Customs officials will always be there to protect citizens from harm. Be it drugs, counterfeit items, or protected items, we will be there.

    Malta: Whatever the time - Whatever the day, time, or weather, Customs officials will always be there to protect citizens from harm. Be it drugs, counterfeit items, or protected items, we will be there.

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  • Mauritius: X-ray scan van and sniffer dogs - Modern non-intrusive inspection techniques and sniffer dogs are used in combination to efficiently and effectively combat smuggling and illicit drug trafficking.

    Mauritius: X-ray scan van and sniffer dogs - Modern non-intrusive inspection techniques and sniffer dogs are used in combination to efficiently and effectively combat smuggling and illicit drug trafficking.

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  • Morocco: Dematerialization - Since January 2019, Customs declarations and commercial documents have been dematerialized

    Morocco: Dematerialization - Since January 2019, Customs declarations and commercial documents have been dematerialized

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  • New Zealand: Two-minute silence - On 15 March 2019, the city of Christchurch experienced a terrorist attack on two of its mosques, during Friday lunchtime prayers. The attacks killed 51 people and injured 49 others, and was described as one of New Zealand’s darkest days. A week later, New Zealand observed a two-minute silence to show support for its Muslim community as they returned to their mosques and to mark the seven days that had passed since the attack. Customs officers also paid their respects, “closing the border” for that brief moment. This is a poignant CCTV image, taken as our officers formed a human chain in the international departures area of Auckland airport to observe the two-minute silence, alongside the equally respectful travellers. It was incredibly moving to witness.

    New Zealand: Two-minute silence - On 15 March 2019, the city of Christchurch experienced a terrorist attack on two of its mosques, during Friday lunchtime prayers. The attacks killed 51 people and injured 49 others, and was described as one of New Zealand’s darkest days. A week later, New Zealand observed a two-minute silence to show support for its Muslim community as they returned to their mosques and to mark the seven days that had passed since the attack. Customs officers also paid their respects, “closing the border” for that brief moment. This is a poignant CCTV image, taken as our officers formed a human chain in the international departures area of Auckland airport to observe the two-minute silence, alongside the equally respectful travellers. It was incredibly moving to witness.

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  • Nicaragua: Analysis of samples - Laboratory staff receive samples of all the different products controlled at borders, both for identification purposes and to confirm their origin.

    Nicaragua: Analysis of samples - Laboratory staff receive samples of all the different products controlled at borders, both for identification purposes and to confirm their origin.

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  • North Macedonia: Thorough and resolute - A strong character, professionalism, kindness, determination and incisiveness are what makes a good Customs officer.

    North Macedonia: Thorough and resolute - A strong character, professionalism, kindness, determination and incisiveness are what makes a good Customs officer.

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  • Norway: Controlling a vehicle - From time to time, Customs officers have to control vehicles systematically to find hiding places. Norwegian Customs has its own course in vehicle control, and officers can safely and securely check whether a vehicle has hidden drugs, for example, in the fuel tank or in the vehicle's undercarriage, engine, doors or floor. This picture was taken at Svinesund, the border point between Norway and Sweden. Photo: Bard Gudim

    Norway: Controlling a vehicle - From time to time, Customs officers have to control vehicles systematically to find hiding places. Norwegian Customs has its own course in vehicle control, and officers can safely and securely check whether a vehicle has hidden drugs, for example, in the fuel tank or in the vehicle's undercarriage, engine, doors or floor. This picture was taken at Svinesund, the border point between Norway and Sweden. Photo: Bard Gudim

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  • Peru: On board a bulk carrier - Personnel of the divers' programme enter a ship’s hold with special equipment to inspect confined spaces. During the inspection of a bulk carrier vessel in April 2019, cocaine chloride totalling 2,202 kg was seized.

    Peru: On board a bulk carrier - Personnel of the divers' programme enter a ship’s hold with special equipment to inspect confined spaces. During the inspection of a bulk carrier vessel in April 2019, cocaine chloride totalling 2,202 kg was seized.

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  • Qatar: Going deeper - An inspector performs a manual inspection of a tyre after the analysis of an X-ray image raised suspicion about the presence of prohibited materials.

    Qatar: Going deeper - An inspector performs a manual inspection of a tyre after the analysis of an X-ray image raised suspicion about the presence of prohibited materials.

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  • Romania: A view of Free Zone Braila from the Danube River - Braila is the last port on the Danube, allowing access to the Black Sea and then to all the ports of the world. It is a hub for all Central and Eastern European countries.

    Romania: A view of Free Zone Braila from the Danube River - Braila is the last port on the Danube, allowing access to the Black Sea and then to all the ports of the world. It is a hub for all Central and Eastern European countries.

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  • Russian Federation: Cutting edge technology: opening new horizons for trade to prosper - Customs officers monitor trade transactions remotely using modern technology, which enables them to cover the whole territory of the Russian Federation.

    Russian Federation: Cutting edge technology: opening new horizons for trade to prosper - Customs officers monitor trade transactions remotely using modern technology, which enables them to cover the whole territory of the Russian Federation.

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  • Saudi Arabia: Sweet moments - Nothing is overlooked! Our K9 partners at Saudi Customs can detect the full range of products, without being tempted by the smell of delicious food.

    Saudi Arabia: Sweet moments - Nothing is overlooked! Our K9 partners at Saudi Customs can detect the full range of products, without being tempted by the smell of delicious food.

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  • Singapore: Targeted checks - Customs officers from the Image Analysis Station look at a scanned image while their colleagues conduct a physical inspection of the same suspicious shipment. Singapore Customs officers perform checks on cargo flagged by the risk management system.

    Singapore: Targeted checks - Customs officers from the Image Analysis Station look at a scanned image while their colleagues conduct a physical inspection of the same suspicious shipment. Singapore Customs officers perform checks on cargo flagged by the risk management system.

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  • South Africa: A crushing victory - Two officers stand at a crushing car site in the port city of Durban in November 2018. During the 2018/19 financial year, the South African Revenue Service confiscated 275 illegal cars and trucks for various contraventions. Many of them have since been destroyed under Customs supervision, especially second-hand illegally imported ones. Previously, seized second-hand imported vehicles were sold at Customs auction for export, but these vehicles invariably found their way back into South Africa. This influx of second-hand vehicles impacted the local vehicle manufacturing industry, which contributes about 7.5% to the country’s GDP.

    South Africa: A crushing victory - Two officers stand at a crushing car site in the port city of Durban in November 2018. During the 2018/19 financial year, the South African Revenue Service confiscated 275 illegal cars and trucks for various contraventions. Many of them have since been destroyed under Customs supervision, especially second-hand illegally imported ones. Previously, seized second-hand imported vehicles were sold at Customs auction for export, but these vehicles invariably found their way back into South Africa. This influx of second-hand vehicles impacted the local vehicle manufacturing industry, which contributes about 7.5% to the country’s GDP.

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  • Thailand: SMART Customs - Three Customs officers monitor CCTV screens at Headquarters. If they notice anything suspicious they will alert field officers working at the borders.

    Thailand: SMART Customs - Three Customs officers monitor CCTV screens at Headquarters. If they notice anything suspicious they will alert field officers working at the borders.

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  • Turkey: Always look ahead! The Istanbul Customs enforcement team boards a ship off the Sea of Marmara in search of fuel oil and other smuggled goods.

    Turkey: Always look ahead! The Istanbul Customs enforcement team boards a ship off the Sea of Marmara in search of fuel oil and other smuggled goods.

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  • Uganda: Smugglers scheme exposed - 762 elephant tusks weighing 3,299 kg and 423.7 kg of pangolin scales were found concealed in logs filled with molten wax in a consignment in transit declared as logs. The goods were detected after the cargo was scanned.

    Uganda: Smugglers scheme exposed - 762 elephant tusks weighing 3,299 kg and 423.7 kg of pangolin scales were found concealed in logs filled with molten wax in a consignment in transit declared as logs. The goods were detected after the cargo was scanned.

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  • Vietnam: Stopping wildlife crime - 9.1 tons of elephant tusks were seized on 26 March 2019 at Da Nang's Tien Sa port in central Vietnam. It is the biggest ivory seizure made in recent years. The tusks were hidden in a shipment of wood.

    Vietnam: Stopping wildlife crime - 9.1 tons of elephant tusks were seized on 26 March 2019 at Da Nang's Tien Sa port in central Vietnam. It is the biggest ivory seizure made in recent years. The tusks were hidden in a shipment of wood.

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