Types of Inspection Tech Used By CBP

As technology develops and grows, CBP will no doubt have the most advanced tools for inspection tech at hand in order to protect the United States from threats coming across the border.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is one of the oldest agencies in American history and has always been an integral element of the American government. Since 1789, Customs has managed the collection of duties related to the goods imported into the United States with inspection tech and processes.

Following its inception, the agency’s name has changed, and its scope of responsibilities has broadened to include the protection of U.S. borders. Historical events precipitated these changes, and as CBP’s responsibilities have grown, so has its need for innovative new strategies and equipment. Since the attacks on the World Trade Center, CBP’s obligation to protect the citizens of the United States has moved to the forefront of its responsibilities and has necessitated some fascinating new tools.

Radiation Portal Monitors

Radiation Portal Monitors are tools used by CBP to sniff out radioactive materials before they make onto U.S soil. A large number of these machines are installed in ports across the country. There are plenty of legitimate causes for radioactivity to be detected in a shipment headed into the ports. Some medical instruments and implements require or emit radioactivity. The same goes for certain industrial components. The idea behind having a system like this is to make sure that any container that is emitting radiation should be emitting radiation, and anything: containers, boats, people that should not be emitting radiation aren’t. Although radiation detection is an important element to CPB’s border security strategy, it’s not the only thing being searched for when agents examine incoming shipments/conveyances.

X-Ray Imaging Systems

X-Ray Imaging Systems are another implement used by CBP to investigate shipping containers, trucks, etc. The system works much like the x-ray you might receive from a doctor or dentist. By bombarding the subject with powerful rays, CBP agents are able to essentially see through to the contents, and identify anything that looks suspicious—from explosives to priceless artwork.

These are just some of the tools that CBP has on hand to make sure proper duties are paid on imports, and that nothing illegal crosse the border. As technology develops and grows, Customs will no doubt have the most advanced tools at hand in order to protect the United States from threats coming across the border. To learn more about CBP’s inspection tech, take a look at their website.