French Customs deploy mobile scanners

The HCV-Mobiles each have an energy rating of 4 MeV and are capable of penetrating up to 280 mm of steel. They can be operated in any environment, requiring a set-up time of less than 30 minutes, and achieve an average throughput of 25 trucks per hour. They provide a radioscopic image of the vehicle, allowing customs officers to check the load, non-invasively, against the customs declaration. The new procedure will substantially reduce the need for manual inspections and will shorten overall inspection time.

The order is part of an extensive programme to reinforce and modernise customs activities in France, and is the first time that the French Government has ordered mobile scanners for customs applications. The contract includes an option to buy additional units after the initial deployment. Previously, a Smiths Detection stationary scanning system has been deployed at the Port of Le Havre and an HCV-Mobile system at the Port of Marseilles.