V.
INITIATIVES OF JAPANPREVENTING SMUGGLINGCUSTOMSFOR

1. Effective Use of Control/Inspection Equipment and AdvancedTechnologies(1) X-ray inspection equipment
Customs has introduced various X-ray inspection equipment in order to inspect commercial cargo,passengers' personal effects, international mail, etc. being imported and exported more speedily andappropriately without opening them. Utilizing such X-ray inspection equipment effectively, Customs
endeavors to find and seize smuggled methamphetamine, cannabis and other illicit drugs and firearms.
In consideration of the fact that large containers or containerized cargo are used for smuggling, largescale X-ray inspection equipment has been introduced at 16 locations (13 ports) nationwide, since its first
introduction in Yokohama Port in 2001. Previously, it took around 2 hours to bring out and inspect all cargoof one container, but thanks to the introduction of large-scale equipment, it became possible to complete aninspection of one container in around 10 minutes, and the time required for inspections was thus reduced
significantly.
Recently, X-ray CT inspection equipment, with which the inside of cargo can be visualized in 3D X-ray
CT images, are also being introduced and utilized. Furthermore, in order to cope with increasingly
sophisticated smuggling tactics for illicit drugs, etc., Customs is working on study and research forachieving automatic detection of illicit drugs by the use of information obtained through X-ray CT
inspection equipment and advanced technologies, such as AI.

17(2) Support for examinations of X-ray inspection images by the use of AI
The use of AI makes it possible to process and analyze a large volume of data, such as images andtexts, at high speed, and is expected to sophisticate and improve the efficiency of customs services.
Customs has developed and are utilizing AI that identifies the content of international mail based on
X-ray inspection images.
(3) Customs' patrol boats
Customs' patrol boats dispatched from customs
offices surveil a wide area and crack down on smuggling
at seaports or trade on the sea that uses fishing boats.

(4) Drug detector dogs

The first 2 drug detector dogs were introduced withthe cooperation of the US customs in 1979. At present,approx. 130 dogs are stationed at customs offices
nationwide. They are mainly used for inspections ofpassengers' personal effects and international mail, etc.
and have contributed to a number of seizures ofcannabis, methamphetamine or other illicit drugs. In
2002, dogs to detect explosives and drugs were alsointroduced.

(5) Port monitoring camera systems
Since March 1996, highly sensitive monitoring cameras with night vision have been introduced at major
seaports to tighten surveillance of vessels, movement of goods, and persons at the port areas.

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(6) Metal detector gatesMetal detector gates were first introduced in 2017 ascountermeasures against the smuggling of gold bullion, and havealready been introduced at airports and ports nationwide. Comparedwith conventional hand-held metal detectors, metal detector gatesenable stricter regulations through swift customs clearing targeting alarger number of passengers, without the need to stop the proceduralflow.
(7) Illicit drugs and explosives detector systems
Illicit drugs and explosives detector system (TDS; Trace Detection
System) detects concealed methamphetamine, other illicit drugs, andexplosives through the procedures of wiping the surface ofcommercial cargo, passengers' personal effects, and internationalmail, etc. being imported or exported, ionizing collected specimens,
and analyzing their mass. The TDS has contributed to seizures of alarge amount of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs. As theTDS enables detection of concealed illicit drugs and explosives in ashort time without destroying inspection targets, swift and strict
inspections have become possible.
(8) Electronic Customs Declaration Gate System
As of April 2023, the Electronic Customs Declaration Gate
System (e-Gate) is operating at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport,Kansai Airport, Chubu Airport, Fukuoka Airport, New Chitose
Airport and Naha Airport. A passenger can complete the submissionof "Declaration of Accompanied Articles and UnaccompaniedArticles" by having an electronic declaration terminal scan the ICpassport and the QR code created using "Visit Japan Web," andtaking the customs entry procedures in accordance with theterminal's instructions. During this process, face photos are taken toverify identification with the photo in the IC passport. Aftercompleting the procedures at the terminal, the passenger is asked togo to the electronic declaration gate. The passenger may simply passthrough the gate as face photos are taken once again for facialrecognition.
(Please log in to the Visit Japan Web service from here!)19(9) Smart glasses
Customs aims to develop a system for more efficient andeffective examinations and inspections through having staff
members remotely share information on a real-time basis by the useof smart glasses. For example, cargo inspectors conduct inspections
while remotely collaborating with examiners and other staff withabundant expertise and experience.
(10) Utilization of digital forensics
Digital forensics are techniques and procedures for analyzing electromagnetic records to provecrimes. Information collected from digital data of communication equipment that was used in acrime often serves as significant objective evidence for solving the crime. With further
advancement of ICT in society and economy, such information and digital forensics are expected
to become even more significant.

202. Customs Controls by Utilizing Information(1) Utilization of the information system
The Customs Intelligence Database System (CIS)—a computerized system capable of sorting out andmanaging a wide variety of information, such as customs clearance for exports and imports as well as ship
entries and departures—has been introduced at customs offices throughout the nation. Through theimprovement and reinforcement of the system for intelligence analysis, processing, and management,
intensive and efficient border control of smuggling is being carried out.
(2) Utilization of prior information
For effective and efficient border control, enforcement activities actively utilizing prior information,such as passenger name records (information on passenger reservation and boarding procedures held byairline companies), are being conducted.
(3) Development of the Customs controls system
Each customs office has the Customs Intelligence in charge of handling smuggling-related information
with an appointed Customs Intelligence Manager. Additionally, the National Intelligence & Targeting
Center, which conducts nationwide collection and analysis of information, was established and has been
comprehensively managing and analyzing smuggling-related information received from domestic law
enforcement authorities, such as the police and the Japan Coast Guard, as well as from foreign customs
and other sources. In this manner, efforts have been made to reinforce the capacity to collect and analyze
information.
In order to cope with organized and large-scale smuggling cases, the Criminal Investigation
Center and the Customs Surveillance and Control Center were established. In close collaboration
among these three Centers, efficient and effective enforcement activities have been conductedagainst cases involving two or more jurisdictions.
(4) Strengthened cooperation with various related organizations for better information collection
Customs has concluded Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with various related organizations,
aimed at ensuring greater cooperation in the prevention of smuggling.
Organizations with which the Customs and Tariff Bureau has concluded MOUs: 11 organizations
The Japanese Shipowners' Association; The Scheduled Airlines Association of Japan;
Japan Air Cargo Forwarders Association; Japan Customs Brokers Association;
Japan Foreign Steamship Association; Japan Fisheries Association;
Japan Oceangoing Passenger Ship Association; All Nippon Hotel Association;
Japan Ryokan & Hotel Association; All Japan Ryokan Hotel Association; andNational Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations(5) Enhancement of collection of information from the public
Ongoing efforts to gather information from the public throughout the nation include the opening ofa single toll-free telephone number accessible 24 hours a day from everywhere across the nation,
the distribution of leaflets, and public relations activities such as those regarding law enforcement
countermeasures at the border by using posters, the Japan Customs' website, and various social
media services (Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube).

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[Leaflet][Poster]* In addition, materials for port-related organizations and fishery cooperatives, for logistics companies and warehousecompanies, and for accommodation suppliers have been made and distributed.

[Customs YouTube Channel][Tekken× Japan Customs]

Access to videos

Customs YouTube Channel[Customs Twitter][Customs Facebook]@Custom_kun

＠Japan.Customs

SMUGGLING - HOTLINE(24 hours a day: toll-free)

０１２０－４６１－９６１(Call Customs, Ministry of Finance, for
information on smuggling.)

Customs website
https://www.customs.go.jp/english/index.htm
Webpage for information provisionhttps://www.customs.go.jp/english/
quest/smuggling_e.htm

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3. Closer Cooperation with Relevant Agencies(1) Border controls through cooperation with relevant agencies
With the aim of imposing effective controls at the border, Customs, police, Coast Guard, and otherrelevant organizations are conducting joint training and joint operations in close cooperation, while eachmakes full use of their own information, equipment, jurisdiction, and experience.

(2) Holding of Law Enforcement Meeting on Measures against Smuggling
The Customs and Tariff Bureau of the Ministry of Finance organizes the Law Enforcement Meeting onMeasures against Smuggling with the aim of strengthening cooperation with the ministries and agencies
concerned and promoting the exchange of information needed to interdict smuggling cases. Thus,
information exchange is being promoted at the national level. Regional customs offices also organize
regional law enforcement meetings on smuggling with the law enforcement authorities concerned topromote information exchange at the regional level.

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4. Promotion of International Information Exchange(1) Promotion of information exchange with foreign customs administrations
As the single contact point of Japan Customs for information exchange with foreign customs
administrations, the International Intelligence Office was established in the National Intelligence &Targeting Center. Japan Customs has been continuing its efforts to promote the establishment of aninternational framework of customs cooperation with foreign countries, such as Customs MutualAssistance Agreements (hereinafter referred to as "CMAAs"), which include provisions for informationexchange concerning the smuggling of illicit goods (e.g. illicit drugs) (See "Present Status of the Customs
Mutual Assistance Agreements, etc.").
Utilizing international networks, including the ones managed by the World Customs Organization(WCO) and the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) for Asia and the Pacific, Japan Customs
exchanges smuggling-related information and intelligence with foreign customs administrations and otherlaw enforcement authorities.
(Reference) RILO (Regional Intelligence Liaison Office)
The RILO is the base for the WCO regional projects, which was established for the purpose of promoting informationexchange on illicit drugs among customs administrations in the region and improving the intelligence analysis on thetrends of smuggling in the region. The RILO for Asia and the Pacific, in which Japan Customs has a membership, wasestablished as the first RILO of the world in December 1987. Japan Customs hosted the RILO for Asia and the Pacific(located in Tokyo Customs) for the five years from January 1999 and has continued active participation in the RILO
project with many contributions. The RILO for Asia and the Pacific, whose office has been in South Korea since January
2012, analyzes trends in smuggling within the region based on reports from participant countries and regions on interdicted
cases of smuggling of illicit drugs and related objects, distributes the results to participating countries and otherorganizations, and facilitates the information exchange among participating customs administrations. The office of theRILO for Asia and the Pacific will be established again in Japan in January 2024. It is expected that the informationgathering network will be further strengthened as an information hub among relevant countries and regions.

(2) Information exchange under CMAAs
Japan Customs is actively working toward new CMAAs in order to facilitate information exchangewith the source or transit countries of illicit drugs and firearms, and is also committed to further promoting
information exchange through the existing CMAAs.
(Reference) Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements
A Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement is an international agreement that includes the provision of the mutual
assistance by the customs authorities of the Contracting Parties for the prevention of smuggling of goods harmful tosociety and strict border control against goods infringing intellectual property rights, and also provides for cooperation in
simplification and harmonization of customs procedures.

(3) Collecting smuggling-related information through the dispatch of officers
Customs officers are sent to the countries and regions that are likely to be sources for illicit drugs, etc.
smuggled into Japan to collect information on smuggling. In addition, efforts are being made to establish
mutual cooperative relations with the foreign customs administrations. Japan Customs also dispatches
officers specialized in intelligence analysis to the countries and regions which are tackling offenses
related to illicit drugs smuggling to exchange views on the analysis of intelligence on source countries ofsmuggling, etc.

24(4) Participation in international conferences
Japan Customs is actively taking part ininternational conferences (including onlineparticipation),suchastheEnforcement

Committee of the WCO, WCO Asia/PacificRegional Contact Points Meeting, and the UN
Commission on Narcotic Drugs, to exchangeopinions and information on control of illicit drugs with various countries.
Present Status of the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements, etc. (As of February 2023)< Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements (CMAAs) >U.S.A. (Jun. 1997), Republic of Korea (Dec. 2004), China (Apr. 2006), EU (Feb. 2008),
Russia (May 2009), the Netherlands (Mar. 2010), Italy (Apr. 2012), South Africa (Jul. 2012),
Germany (Dec. 2014), Spain (May 2015), Norway (Sept. 2016), Mexico (Jul. 2018),
Uzbekistan (Dec. 2019), U.K. (Jan. 2021), Iran (Aug. 2021, signed), Brazil (Sept. 2021),Uruguay (Oct. 2021), and Moldova (Jun. 2022),< EPAs(Note 2) >Enforcing or Singapore (Nov. 2002), Malaysia (Jul. 2006), Thailand (Nov. 2007), Indonesia (Jul. 2008),
signed (39 Brunei Darussalam (Jul. 2008), the Philippines (Dec. 2008), Switzerland (Sept. 2009), Vietnam(Oct. 2009), India (Aug. 2011), Peru (Mar. 2012), Australia (Jan. 2015), Mongolia (Jun. 2016),
countries
and TPP11(*) (Mar. 2018, signed)
and*(Note 4)
TPP11(CPTPP) participants: Mexico, Singapore, New Zealand, Canada, Australia,regions(Note1))
Vietnam, Peru, Chile, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam< Administrative Arrangements >Australia (Jun. 2003; Jul. 2017, revised), New Zealand (Apr. 2004; Jun. 2014, revised), Canada(Jun. 2005), Hong Kong; China (Jan. 2008), Macau; China (Sept. 2008), France (Jun. 2012),
U.K. (Jun. 2013), Belgium (Jul. 2017), and Austria (May 2019)< Others >Chinese Taipei (Nov. 2017)*(Note 5)(Note 1) A country with which Japan has concluded multiple frameworks in different formats is counted as one.
(ex. with Australia, Japan has concluded an EPA, TPP and administrative arrangement.)(Note 2) EPAs listed here are those incorporating provisions concerning customs mutual assistance.
(Note 3) Those underlined incorporate the content of the amendment of the Customs Act in FY2012 for thepurpose of enhancing information exchange with foreign customs administrations.
(Note 4) TPP11 (CPTPP) was signed by 11 countries in March 2018. Countries with a dotted underline are thosewhich have reported the completion of their procedures under domestic laws to New Zealand, theDepositary of the Agreement, and for which the agreement has become effective.
(Note 5) Regarding Chinese Taipei, a private sector arrangement signed between the Japan-Taiwan Exchange
Association and the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association.

(5) Technical cooperation for enhancing border control capacity
In order to ensure a safe and secure society in Japan through enhancing the border control capacity of
the customs administration of developing countries, such as by strengthening their capabilities forcollecting and analyzing information on smuggling of illicit drugs and firearms, Japan Customs has been
dedicated to technical cooperation to extend Japan's expertise and technologies in this field.
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