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Cargo screening is a security process used in the logistics and transportation industries to inspect goods and identify prohibited items such as explosives, weapons, narcotics, or unauthorized personnel. It is a critical component of global supply chain security, applied across air, sea, and land transport to mitigate threats to national security and public safety.

As global trade volumes increase, the challenge of screening cargo without disrupting the flow of commerce has led to the development Cargo Scanning methods like advanced Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technologies (Ireland, 2009). Modern screening protocols are governed by international bodies, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), which develop standards to secure trade while maintaining operational efficiency.^[1]

The choice of screening technology often depends on the type of cargo, the mode of transport, and the specific threat being targeted.

Large-scale X-ray systems are the most common form of NII. High-energy X-ray systems can penetrate thick steel containers to produce detailed interior images, allowing operators to identify anomalies in density that might indicate contraband.^[2] Standard procedures often begin with radiographic inspection of palletized consignments.^[3]

ETD involves analyzing chemical samples for vapors or particulate matter associated with explosives. This is often performed using:

• Swabbing: Wiping the exterior of a package or pallet to collect residue.
• Air Sampling: Using "sniffing" technology to detect trace chemicals in the air surrounding the cargo.

Primarily used in aviation, EDS uses Computed Tomography (CT) to create 3D images of cargo. The system's software automatically alerts operators to materials with the specific density and atomic number of known explosives.

Specially trained Explosive Detection Canines (EDC) remain one of the most mobile and effective methods for screening complex palletized cargo where technology may struggle with "clutter" or high-density materials. Canine inspection is frequently used as a secondary "extended" screening path if X-ray results are inconclusive (Kierzkowski et al., 2025).^[3]

Also known as "deconsolidation," this involves opening cargo to manually inspect its contents. While highly accurate, it is the most time-consuming and labor-intensive method and can lead to significant propagation of delays in transport operations (Kierzkowski et al., 2025).^[3]

The ICAO continues to develop multilateral agreements to promote regulatory harmonization and modernize customs processes (Abeyratne, 2025).^[1] Many countries implement high-level screening mandates to ensure all cargo transported on passenger aircraft meets strict security requirements.

The WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, adopted in 2005, is a primary instrument for securing global trade (Ireland, 2009).^[2] It emphasizes risk management and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) concept. Additionally, in the US, the Container Security Initiative (CSI) places customs officers at foreign ports to screen high-risk containerized cargo before it is shipped (Ireland, 2009).^[2]

• Volume vs. Speed: Balancing thorough inspection with the "just-in-time" requirements of modern shipping is a constant challenge. Studies show that extended screening can cause delays ranging from 14 to 95 hours depending on the terminal (Kierzkowski et al., 2025).^[3]
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The industry is moving toward Machine Learning and Deep Learning to automate the review of scanned images, which can achieve high effectiveness in risk management and operational optimization (Cao & Zheng, 2024; Shawon et al., 2025).^[4]
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