Chinese customs deploy AI-powered biosecurity systems to strengthen border protection

China is upgrading its border biosecurity framework through the integration of artificial intelligence and big data technologies. Since 1 May 2026, an official list of high-risk invasive alien species has been in force at the country’s borders, with strict control measures applied to prevent biological threats. Earlier this year, Chinese customs authorities launched a three-year nationwide campaign aimed at strengthening pest prevention and biosecurity management. The initiative was jointly developed by the General Administration of Customs (GACC) of China and five other government departments. This was reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

An intelligent identification model for invasive pests has been introduced at customs checkpoints nationwide. According to Liu Jian, Deputy Director of the GACC’s Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine, the system can recognise more than 1,000 species of insects and invasive weeds with an accuracy rate exceeding 90 per cent. Through the integration of interdepartmental databases, customs authorities can now conduct instant verification of 12 categories of agricultural products. More than 120,000 electronic declarations have already been processed. Automated sampling systems and intelligent detection technologies help maintain high biosecurity standards while ensuring efficient cross-border trade flows.

In east China’s Zhejiang Province, customs officers have begun using AI-enabled smart glasses. The devices instantly identify product characteristics and translate foreign-language labels, reducing cargo processing times by approximately 30 per cent. At Tianjin Port, specialised digital inspection systems carry out comprehensive checks of mineral raw materials within minutes.

Customs authorities in Zhangjiagang are also applying artificial intelligence to monitor timber imports. The systems can identify 145 wood species, more than 150 types of weed seeds and 80 insect species. Meanwhile, Jinling Customs in Nanjing uses AI-assisted technologies to detect live exotic parasites in international postal shipments.

China is also expanding cooperation with neighbouring countries. A cross-border intelligent monitoring system based on artificial intelligence and big data is being developed to strengthen regional biosecurity coordination. Participating countries are exchanging biological species databases, conducting joint field monitoring and carrying out collaborative risk assessments.

A representative of a local enterprise in Manzhouli involved in importing grain, oilseed crops and animal feed from Russia noted that the comprehensive phytosanitary inspections conducted by Manzhouli Customs help businesses maintain high standards of sanitary compliance throughout procurement, transportation and storage processes. Over the long term, these measures contribute to smoother customs procedures and greater operational reliability.

Officials noted that the introduction of intelligent technologies has significantly improved customs efficiency. Even during periods of high cargo volumes, the time between the submission of a preliminary declaration and on-site inspection is now approximately two hours.

Chinese authorities believe that the continued development of intelligent border supervision systems will further support the sustainable growth of international trade and economic cooperation.