A semi-trailer loaded with coal approached the customs check post at Ejine Banner in Alshaa League on Feb 1. Without the driver needing to get out of the vehicle, the smart barrier started to identify the semi-trailer's registration number and load automatically. The whole reading process lasted less than 10 seconds. This is how smart technology is helping local customs services.

"The 'smart' barrier has quickened the pace of customs clearance," said Liu Qiang, a staff member working for a local energy company. "Now the stock amount of the imported coal can meet the sales demand."

Based on the practical needs of the frontier area and the opening-up pattern of North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Hohhot customs recently held a work conference to demonstrate the concept of "smart customs services" in terms of improving the supervision and regulation of imports and facilitating foreign trade, according to local media reports.

Li Jianwei, commissioner of Hohhot customs, urged more efforts to be taken in 2021 in exploring new customs service models by making them smarter, more mobile and more self-service friendly. He also suggested that a smart clearance system should be established that covers all staff members crossing the border, as well as transportation facilities and goods.

A total of 35 freight transport channels have achieved automatic clearance services and five smart barriers for passenger transport channels have been completed so far. In addition, since 2020, Hohhot customs has been optimizing its data exchange system, which is aimed at sharing foreign trade statistics with Mongolian customs. This system plays a crucial role in collaborating with the Mongolian government to prevent and contain the COVID-19 pandemic.