The online magazine for digitization of the customs world

16. April 2021 | Minuten Lesezeit

Automated Random Sampling Control of Data Sets

“In future, our tariffs will be set automatically”: This phrase is often associated with an “evolutionary” improvement of processes and innovative procedures. But who says that a machine is really doing it right? How do I know that the quality is good? Why are automated processes automatically assumed to be of good quality? The fact is that machines learn from real people. How do I check whether the quality is good?

16. April 2021 | 8 Minuten Lesezeit

Digitalisation versus the Four-eyes Principle – Data Analytics in ICS

How much manual control will still be needed in the future to effectively identify process weaknesses and risks? Quality is when things are right. It is about the art of controlling processes and their quality without following on the “helicopter principle”. In times of digitalisation, data analytics and artificial intelligence, internal control systems (ICS) take on completely different dimensions. We can compare much larger amounts of data and detect irregularities with less manual effort. This applies to public authorities, and equally to companies, that have a vested interest in quality and in obtaining permits and avoiding fines. ICS is therefore about quality, risk minimisation and self-detection of violations.

16. April 2021 | 6 Minuten Lesezeit

Blockchain – What is it anyway?

Since the Bitcoin boom in recent years, everyone has been talking about blockchain. The new technology is intended to ensure digital security and revolutionise transaction processes. Many equate blockchain with the digital currency Bitcoin. However, blockchain can deliver decisive advantages not only in cryptocurrency, but also in the area of customs. That is why it is important for you to know: What is blockchain anyway? How does the technology work and how could it be used in customs? We will explain that and more in this article.

16. April 2021 | 8 Minuten Lesezeit

Determining Customs Tariff Numbers from Images: Science Fiction or Soon Reality?

Imagine uploading an image into the system, which in turn analyses which item is depicted and automatically assigns it the appropriate customs tariff number. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Automatic image recognition would completely revolutionise the customs sector. But how could this work, and how far are we from implementation?