Smart Border 0 Avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland for Customs control and the free movement of persons

Figure 6: Smart Border 2.0 components

Source: KGH Border Services

There are several different options from a technical perspective for how identification at the border can be undertaken. One way is to use a Gateway solution as tested on the Sweden- Norway border, where existing infrastructure, like mobile technology networks, are used without additional investment costs for traders and travellers. RFID and similar technologies can also be utilised.

Figure 7: The Customs Gateway

Source: KGH Border Services

Depending on how the negotiations end in relation to the EU Security Zone and the status of UK, there may also be a need for a specific Customs-to-Customs cooperation agreement regulating security issues and the exchange of risk profiles. This should be based on the relevant international standard, which is World Customs Organizations SAFE Framework of Standards.

Scenario
This is how a normal border crossing in a Smart Border 2.0 environment could look: A company needs to move goods to a client in the UK. The company is pre- registered in the AEO database (AEO status or application for AEO Trusted Trader), a simplified export/import declaration is sent, including a unique consignment reference number. The transporting company is pre-registered in the AEO database and the driver of the truck is pre-registered in the Trusted Commercial Travellers database. The simplified export/import declaration is automatically processed and risk assessed. At the border the mobile phone of the driver is recognized/identified and a release-note is sent to the mobile phone with a permit to pass the border opening the gate automatically. A post-import supplementary declaration is submitted in the import country within the given time period. Potential controls can be carried out by mobile inspection units from EU or UK with right of access to facilities and data, as required.

4. 
   Key concepts
   

The key concepts underpinning Smart Border 2.0 are: