ICA to use more automation in new clearance concept for cargo

It will provide efficient cargo clearance for importers and transport firms.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said it will shift to a new clearance concept for cargo (NCC Cargo) which seeks to increase handling capacity at Tuas Port through scrapping paper clearance and using greater automation.

In a press release, ICA will also utilise data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) for risk profiling to ensure security at Singapore’s borders.

In 2040, Tuas Port will have a yearly handling capacity of 65 million twenty-foot-equivalent units (TEUs), which is a 30% increase from the current overall annual handling capacity of 50 million TEUs.

The NCC Cargo at Tuas Port has been implemented with initiatives including ‘On-the-Fly’ Clearance; and a mobile cargo screening system.

ICA will then implement the following additional initiatives for the NCC cargo:

• use of AI technology to assist ICA Image Analysts in detecting anomalies in scanned cargo, parcel, and baggage images to prevent prohibited and contraband items from entering Singapore;
• enable lorry drivers and attendants at the land checkpoints to self-clear using biometrics, similar to immigration clearance at the passenger halls;
• collaborate with Singapore Customs to introduce a paperless cargo clearance process for conventional cargo;
• use of barcodes of CCP to retrieve cargo information; 
• have traders/drivers will submit the vehicle license plate number and corresponding CCP numbers via ICA’s SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service before the cargo arrives at our checkpoints. Traders will also be encouraged to submit supporting documents via TradeNet during permit declaration; and
• use of vehicle license plate numbers to retrieve CCPs and supporting documents when the vehicle arrives at the checkpoint.