Patent ID: 7818266
Filing Date: 2010-10-19
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of making a decision whether to allow an international mailpiece to leave an originating country, comprising: creating, via a processor, a digital file containing data of a customs declaration form having a unique identifier, wherein the digital file includes the unique identifier and a tag indicative of whether the internationally addressed item requires further examination before leaving the originating country, wherein the digital file is an electronic customs manifest; storing the electronic customs manifest in a database; receiving data representing the unique identifier from a scanner device that scans the customs declaration form, wherein the scanner device is operatively coupled to the database; in response to receiving the data, finding in the database, via the processor, a match between the unique identifier scanned from the customs declaration form and the unique identifier contained in the electronic customs manifest stored in the database; returning to the scanner device, an indication of whether further examination is required, the indication being based on the tag contained in the electronic custom manifest; in instances where the indicator indicates further examination is required, emitting a distinct alert from the scanner device that serves only the purpose of alerting a user of a need for further inspection; and permitting the international mailpiece having a matching unique identifier to leave the originating country based on finding the match when the indicator does not indicate further examination is required.