Detect risks of compliance with licensing requirement for explosives precursors by private individuals

Customs

This algorithm helps Customs to select goods for control based on customs declarations and risks. It uses declaration data from companies and considers whether or not there are risks of bringing in raw materials (precursors) or mixtures that can be misused for the illegal manufacture of explosives.

Last change on 10th of December 2024, at 9:54 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0

• Publication category: Impactful algorithms
• Impact assessment: Field not filled in.
• Status: In use

General information

Theme

Public Order and Safety

Begin date

10-2020

Contact information

[e-mail]

Link to publication website

https://www.belastingdienst.nl/bibliotheek/handboeken/html/boeken/HVGEM/precursoren_voor_explosieven-voorschrift_precursoren_voor_explosieven.html

Responsible use

Goal and impact

The purpose of this algorithm is to more efficiently select which declarations may fall under the licensing requirement by private individuals in the context of explosives precursors. This algorithm focuses on the introduction and possession of raw materials (precursors) or mixtures that can be misused for the illegal manufacture of explosives. Customs checks companies more or less based on the results. By using this algorithm, declarations are processed more efficiently, resulting in quicker checks and possibly quicker releases.

Considerations

Customs processes 700 million declarations every year, including in the field of explosives precursors. With this algorithm (risk profiles), Customs can assess declarations more efficiently and faster than without using this algorithm. Thus, declarations are approved or checked faster. And goods are released faster. Also, the algorithm ensures that 'known and trusted' companies are actually checked less.

Human intervention

If a declaration produces a match with a risk profile, a customs officer reviews the declaration. If necessary, the customs officer asks for more information. The decision to approve a declaration, or instead to start checking, is made by a human being.

Risk management

A risk profile is always developed and checked by at least two customs staff before use. This is the 4-eye principle. And once the profile is in use, the number of declarations that produce a match is checked periodically for a profile. If necessary, the profile can be adjusted. Annually, Customs evaluates per profile whether it is necessary to refine, extend or terminate it. Customs monitors internal and external complaints and incidents, for example if a profile generates unjustified raking and therefore designates too many declarations as higher risk.

Legal basis

Legal basis for explosives precursors is in the Union Customs Code (DWU), the General Customs Act and the Explosives Precursors Act and Explosives Precursors Regulation. The use of risk profiles also relies on DWU section 46. This says customs controls must rely primarily on risk analysis by electronic data processing techniques.

Links to legal bases

• https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0037995/2021-07-01: Wet precursoren voor explosieven
• https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0045043/2021-04-26: Regeling precursoren voor explosieven 2021
• https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/NL/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019R1148&qid=1657798258769: EU Verordening 2019/1148

Operations

Data

The algorithm uses all data from the goods declaration. For example, type of goods, commodity code, document code, weight, number of packages, consignee, declarant, consignor, country of consignment, ear number, means of transport, etc.

Links to data sources

https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontentnl/belastingdienst/douane_voor_bedrijven/naslagwerken_en_overige_informatie/andere_onderwerpen/gegevensvereisten/: Gegevensvereisten douaneaangiften (zie Bijlage B Gedelegeerde Verordening Douanewetboek van de Unie + Bijlage VIa van de Algemene Douaneregeling)

Technical design

The algorithm consists of decision rules created in cooperation with content experts. These decision rules provide estimates of which declarations have a higher risk of introducing and possessing raw materials (precursors) or mixtures that can be misused for the illicit manufacture of explosives. These decision rules are based on 'if-then-else' combinations. An example: if (if) the information we have on a shipment shows that the goods have an abnormal weight, (then) the declaration is checked manually and the shipment may be selected for extended inspection. If the goods do not have an abnormal weight (else), we do not stop the shipment. Or at least not based on this criterion.

External provider

Internally developed