Hong Kong Customs chief says new tech aids clearance amid rising cross-border traffic
Customs chief Chan Tze-tat says new tech and risk management ensure smooth clearance at the new Huanggang port. Rising cross-border traffic is met with precision scanners and redeployed staff, while vehicle checks take one to two minutes.
Hong Kong Customs Commissioner Chan Tze-tat said the department is fully prepared for clearance procedures at the new Huanggang port, employing advanced technology and risk management principles. Speaking on a radio programme on 24 October, Chan noted that while the joint inspection building saw a surge in foot traffic the previous Sunday, the bottleneck was not at Customs, and operations have been smooth over the past week. The department has deployed additional staff to meet demand.
Chan said Customs has internally redeployed personnel, reduced frontline leave, and rehired a small number of retired staff to assist. In the long term, as residents and travellers adapt to the new arrangements, operations are expected to become progressively smoother.
With cross-border traffic continuing to rise, Chan said increasing manpower is not the only solution. Customs has introduced more precision detection equipment for passenger and cargo checks, including an active millimetre-wave detection system and mobile X-ray vehicle inspection technology, to expedite clearance. Since the opening of the new Huanggang port, these new technological tools have already helped detect cases involving smuggled cigarettes.
Regarding the “five-in-one vehicle lane” arrangement, Chan said operations have been very smooth since the port opened nearly two weeks ago. Vehicles typically complete clearance procedures in one to two minutes. However, when vehicle numbers are high, congestion may occur on external roads. Passengers must alight to go through immigration procedures at a designated hall, and when foot traffic surges, there may be instances of “vehicles waiting for people”. Chan expressed confidence that as different departments continue to coordinate, port operations will become increasingly smooth.