Beyond Barriers: Modernizing Border NIIs
By Astrophysics

In the interest of their national security, governments around the world must firmly regulate the flow of international commerce—including both goods and tourists—across their borders. Throughout 2024, the United States received more than 77 million international visitors and imported more than 25 million “twenty-foot equivalent units” (TEUs) of goods. Maintaining adequate security without bottlenecking customs traffic requires striking a delicate balance where every second counts. Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) systems form an integral part of that balancing act, helping officers quickly and efficiently spot weapons, drugs, stowaways, undeclared commodities, and other forms of contraband without relying on impossibly time-consuming physical searches.
For example, X-ray NIIs can dramatically enhance customs screening capacity, enabling customs officials to process large volumes of traffic. The Astrophysics Inc. HXC LaneScan™, for instance, processes up to 360 vehicles per hour. Its slim frame design enables multiple parallel installations, which further increases throughput volume and overall operational efficiency. The HXC™’s innovative top-down imaging perspective helps users easily spot items of interest located anywhere throughout each vehicle, and a full suite of advanced analysis tools enables inspectors to accurately examine images in less time. These advantages help officers quickly clear benign vehicles from checkpoints and focus their attention on possible threats, bringing the goal of achieving 100% inspection rates within reach. With adequate and consistent investment in state-of-the-art security infrastructure, the traditional approach of random searches, which is both inefficient and inconsistent, should become mostly obsolete. Other advanced NII scanners like the HXP™ truck portal, HXM™ mobile system, or HXR™ railway system provide comprehensive and versatile coverage for every mode of commercial transport, ensuring that no potential threat slips through undetected.
Border security also goes hand in hand with staying at the forefront of emerging technologies, which are constantly evolving. Integration with tools like AI-powered detection software, advanced warning databases, and common IT platforms is a critical component in refreshed customs Concepts of Operations (CONOPS). For software tools especially, centralized server platforms connected over local- or wide-area networks significantly aid in deploying new functionalities to NIIs operating across various checkpoint sites. Astrophysics’ remote “command center” approach provides an ideal space for centralized image analysis and data aggregation. This system also enables effective application of the latest cutting-edge security developments and ensures seamless integration with emerging technologies.
Customized integration is another vital aspect of establishing efficient and effective customs screening operations. Astrophysics reports that they customize more than 50% of their products and software to facilitate seamless integrations with third-party systems and customer infrastructure. Building out systems with the ability to share vital information—such as analyst decisions, descriptive notes about possible threats, points of origin and destination, and other critical data—closely conforms with the latest international standards for security and information sharing. For example, the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE framework explicitly requires sharing relevant security information between partnered customs organizations, businesses, and parallel government entities. Independent systems integrated through centralized data centers make fulfilling that obligation both feasible and efficient, while advanced NIIs ensure that the data collected is not only comprehensive but also valuable to achieving meaningful security outcomes.

To further strengthen border security efforts, leveraging advanced NIIs in tandem with AI-driven analytics and automated threat detection systems provides unparalleled advantages. AI-powered tools can analyze large datasets at speeds and accuracies far beyond human capabilities, identifying patterns and anomalies that may indicate potential threats. For instance, advanced machine learning algorithms can be trained to recognize the subtle differences between benign objects and contraband, further improving the accuracy of inspections and reducing the likelihood of false positives. Moreover, these AI systems can integrate seamlessly with NII scanners to create a more holistic approach to border security.
The evolution of customs and border security is not limited to technology but extends to policy, strategy, and international collaboration. Governments must work collaboratively to establish robust frameworks that balance the need for security with the facilitation of legitimate trade and travel. By fostering partnerships with private sector stakeholders, customs authorities can ensure that security measures align with commercial realities. This collaborative approach is essential to addressing the complexities of modern global trade and maintaining a secure yet efficient border infrastructure.
The role NII systems play in modern border security cannot be overstated. These systems are at the forefront of efforts to safeguard national security while facilitating the efficient flow of goods and people. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, fostering international collaboration, and continuously adapting to emerging challenges, governments can achieve a delicate balance that ensures both security and efficiency at their borders.