Equipping the Vartius and Kortesalmi customs facilities
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

The project proposal by the Northern Customs District was based on the development of service equipment and customs operational capacity at the Vartius and Kortesalmi customs facilities. The ability to utilise monitoring equipment necessary for clearing people and goods traffic and the general functionality of the clearing operations ensure flexible and efficient traffic-flow processing. Efficient functions at border crossing points not only improve the traffic flow but also make the work of border officials more organised, increase customs enforcement security and, therefore, increase society's level of protection. The project proposal included different types of machines and equipment for the use of officials at the customs facilities of Vartius and Kortesalmi.

Main activities

• Development of service equipment and customs operational capacity by acquisition of - vehicle lifts, which are used to elevate the vehicles to be inspected and search their undercarriages at the customs locations - dynamometers with weight sensors, which are used to ensure traffic safety (break functionality and excessive load weight control) - forklifts, which are used during freight load inspections - a radiation control system, which is used to prevent the entry into the country of illegal radioactive substances and contaminated products - pattern recognition systems (license plate and container number recognition system), which are used to efficiently monitor traffic crossing the border as well as target operations using advance information and risk analysis. - fibrescopes and endoscopes (both optical devices), which can be used to inspect enclosed spaces and discover potential hidden locations. - video surveillance systems, digital cameras and image processing equipment.

Achievements

The planned investments for the Vartius and Kortesalmi border crossing points were implemented as part of the project. All of the equipment remained in the possession of the National Board of Customs and were its property.