‘JCD installs devices to detect chemical threats at border’

AMMAN — The Jordan Customs Department (JCD) has installed “advanced devices” that can detect chemicals and explosives in luggage and goods to protect the borders from any threat of chemical weapons, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Sunday. 

The JCD will use the devices in customs centres to determine the nature of imported and exported goods, by checking the type of raw material they are made of and identifying any chemicals they contain.

The devices can also detect the presence of narcotics or fake pharmaceutical products. 

JCD Director General Maj. Gen. Waddah Hmoud told Petra that the customs department seeks to build the capacities of its personnel to reduce the time taken to conduct scans. 

The devices are light and portable, and produce accurate results that are transmitted online, he added. 

He noted that on-site inspections are expected to reduce the burden on importers and exporters, who would otherwise need to wait for a sample to be examined in JCD labs. 

The devices also make it easier for JCD employees to determine the customs duties, tariffs and taxes applicable to imports and exports, he added.