Customs

Every year, Customs has to process over 700 million declarations. It is not possible to assess all of these manually. Because of the scale of our work, we use algorithms in many of our processes and in multiple enforcement areas. This helps us process these large numbers and make decisions.

For example, Customs uses algorithms when building risk profiles. These algorithms, together with other signals, determine, for example, which consignments are checked. In the Algorithm Register, we are open and transparent about the algorithms we use. We indicate for what purpose we do so. And what data the algorithms use. In time, you will find all relevant algorithms used by Customs in the Algorithm Register. There you can read for each algorithm:

• what it does,
• what data or (special) personal data it uses,
• what risks there are and how Customs addresses them.