Inspecting the contents of thousands of shipping containers and vehicles in a timely manner to detect stowaways, explosives, and other contraband is a monumental task. The sheer volume of freight handled by the world’s ports is enormous and constantly rising along with the associated risks of smuggling and terrorism. American Science and Engineering, Inc. has developed a proprietary process called Z Backscatter technology which creates a clear photo-like image of the contents of containers and vehicles and it is especially capable of detecting organic materials, exactly the type of items conventional transmission X-ray imaging systems are prone to miss. Terrorism and trade fraud combine to make cargo inspection an absolute necessity.
Trade fraud is the deliberate misrepresentation of legal goods when crossing international borders – a crime that robs governments of billions in unpaid duties annually. Z® Backscatter’s photo-like imaging clearly shows whether or not the contents of a container match the description on the manifest.
This scanning technology really is quite amazing and something certain to play a greater role in the export and international shipping process in the years ahead. It’s one more tool in the battle to keep international trade honest.
