AI set to play a key role in customs brokerage
10 / 10 / 2023
Nisarg Mehta, Raft chief technology officer.
Customs brokers will benefit from a shift to Artificial intelligence (AI) for data entry and discrepancy identification, according to logistics platform Raft’s chief technology officer Nisarg Mehta.
Speaking at the US Northern Border Customs Brokers Association (NBCBA) Fall Conference, Mehta outlined how AI can achieve greater levels of operational efficiency, accuracy and transparency.
“Imagine customs brokers shifting from manual data entry to using AI-driven solutions that automate this type of work and help them identify discrepancies in a timely way when every second on the clock counts,” Mehta said.
“Harnessing AI is not just about automation; it’s about elevating our ability to ensure compliance, bolster security, and refine customer service.”
Mehta pointed out that moves were already being made to integrate AI into customs processes.
He said that US Customs Border Protection has announced plans to re-engineer its customs system, the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
“By using AI and machine learning to quickly analyse and understand various customs documents, from certificates of origin to commercial invoices and packing lists, we not only enhance data quality and unearth real-time insights in a cost-effective manner but also ensure greater accuracy and operational agility as goods journey to the US border,” Mehta said.
