Analyzing customs-related risks digitally

What options does customs have for digitally processing the increasing volumes of e-commerce shipments?

Generally, commercial postal and courier shipments coming from a third country need to be declared digitally. Customs has introduced the IT application ATLAS IMPOST (automated tariff and local customs handling system, import clearance of postal and courier shipments) for shipments with a goods value of up to 150 euros. The IT system fully automates customs clearance, ensuring smooth customs processing and a fast flow of goods even for high shipment volumes.

How many customs declarations were processed in ATLAS-IMPOST in 2023 via the main customs office in Frankfurt am Main?

Last year, around 9.3 million customs declarations were processed at Frankfurt Airport via ATLAS-IMPOST.

What new inspection options are available to customs as the result of digitalization with ATLAS IMPOST? To what extent do the new automated processes of ATLAS IMPOST reduce the demands on customs officers during inspections?

Customs monitors the movement of goods in a risk-oriented manner and carries out targeted checks in accordance with applicable national and EU legislation with regard to the levying of import duties and compliance with import bans and restrictions (e.g., product safety and product piracy). With the help of the ATLAS IMPOST clearance system, the movement of goods can be analyzed digitally with regard to customs-related risks and the available personnel resources can be used even more efficiently to identify and inspect any potentially suspicious consignments.

What physical challenges does the increasing volume pose for the inspection process?

Customs constantly monitors the development of shipment volumes and continuously adapts its risk-oriented inspection strategy and the use of resources to the changing circumstances.