PACK: Persistent Awareness system facilitating Customs ChecKs

PACK is a Horizon Europe HORIZON-CL3-2024-BM-01-05 project. 

EU-funded PACK project combines IoT technology with edge-based AI to deliver a cyber-resilient, tamper-proof customs seal for cargo compartments. Its smart sensor array continuously monitors conditions, enabling selective roadside checks and minimising false alarms. The goal is to reduce wait times, saving the transport sector hundreds of millions of Euro, millions of hours, and vast amounts of fuel annually. Participation of EU customs authorities in the project ensures compliance with future EU customs regulations and fast rollout.

PACK integrates advanced detection, tracking and risk-based selective control systems using trustworthy algorithms designed to reduce false positives and biases. This approach provides a comprehensive, 360° view of individual supply chains, supported by a smart IoT-enabled customs seal that deters tampering and an intelligent IoT sensor array inside the truck for continuous monitoring. By combining IoT solutions with edge-based AI, PACK significantly reduces the number of trucks that need to be stopped for inspections, enabling fully automated customs checks. The system also improves energy efficiency by optimizing equipment to operate autonomously with minimal environmental impact. 

The system evaluates in real time whether an alert should be issued to customs authorities, allowing for more targeted interventions. In addition, customs and law enforcement agencies can access and unlock the customs seal at any point during transit, including locations outside traditional customs yards and checkpoints, ensuring flexibility and enhanced security throughout the supply chain.