Islamabad, November 17, 2025 – In a significant move to enhance supply chain security and mitigate elevated security risks, Pakistan has mandated 100% Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) scanning for all consignments under the Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) regime.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) released an official document confirming that all ATT containers must undergo mandatory X-ray or Gamma-ray scanning at both the designated Port of Entry and the Port/Border of Exit.
The Double-Scanning Protocol: Cornerstone of Security
To ensure the integrity of the international supply chain, the FBR has implemented a stringent double-scanning protocol, supported by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Transit Guidelines:
• Scan A (Entry Scan): Conducted at the first point of entry into the Customs territory. This scan establishes the crucial baseline image and records the seal integrity.
• Scan B (Exit Scan): Performed immediately before the container clears the Customs territory. This scan enables a crucial image comparison and audit against Scan A.
AI-Enabled Image Matching
The new protocol makes the matching of images captured at the entry and exit points mandatory. The FBR document states that this comparison will preferably be conducted using an AI-enabled algorithm to ensure accuracy and speed.
The NII Image Comparison Protocol is the cornerstone of security for ATT movements:
1. Data Linkage: The Central Image Repository system automatically links and presents Scan A (Entry) and Scan B (Exit), along with the container seal and electronic Goods Declaration (GD), to the control room/RIAC Analyst if any discrepancy is detected.
2. Comparative Analysis: The Analyst conducts a rigorous examination focusing on four critical security factors to detect evidence of compromise:
o Volumetric Consistency
o Density Discrepancy
o Structural Integrity (Tampering)
o Object Substitution/Addition
Action Required in Case of Security Breach
A conclusive image mismatch constitutes prima facie evidence of a security breach (pilferage, tampering, or substitution), demanding immediate intervention:
1. Formal Declaration: The control room/RIAC Analyst issues an immediate alert, formally declaring the container as a Contravening Unit in the WeBOC/PCS system, which automatically places the cargo under HOLD.
2. Mandatory Physical Examination: A 100% Physical Examination must be conducted on the identified mismatch cargo. The examination team will use the RIAC analysis report to target specific coordinates of the mismatch for efficient intervention.
3. Definitive Evidence: All examinations must be recorded via a Body-Worn Camera (BWC). Scan A, Scan B, and the BWC footage will constitute the definitive evidence chain for criminal prosecution and penalty imposition, aligning with international Customs best practices.