Paving the way for AI-powered customs at APEC
Lee Myeong-ku
“Border security is national security.” This simple but profound principle captures the essence of modern customs administration.
In today’s interconnected world, borders are no longer just geographical demarcations — they are strategic gateways where economic security, technological sovereignty and public safety converge. The resurgence of protectionist trade policies and unpredictable tariff regimes — especially since the return of the Trump administration — has added new layers of uncertainty to global trade. As a result, the strategic importance of customs administration has become more pronounced than ever. In this context, hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit this year presents a valuable and timely opportunity for Korea to lead the development of global norms for border management and to promote greater international cooperation in digital customs administration.
APEC is one of the most prominent and influential economic forums in the world, accounting for approximately 61 percent of global GDP and about half of global trade. Among its various working groups and committees, the Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures (SCCP) is responsible for addressing customs-related issues across the Asia-Pacific region, including concerted efforts to simplify procedures and enhance overall operational efficiency. As the current SCCP Chair, the Korea Customs Service (KCS) plays a central and proactive role — proposing agendas, organizing program details and facilitating communication and coordination among member economies. Through this leadership, Korea has encouraged expanding the scope and importance of the SCCP, leading to tangible outcomes. As a result, the second SCCP meeting of 2025, to be held at the end of July, is being designed not merely as a platform for sharing policies but as a collaborative venue for establishing shared approaches to digital governance in customs administration throughout the region.
Amid this rapidly evolving global trade landscape, digital technologies — artificial intelligence (AI) in particular — have emerged as indispensable tools for modern customs administration. The exponential growth of e-commerce, the increasingly sophisticated methods of illicit trade and the growing complexity of international supply chains are all reshaping how customs operates. In response to these challenges, customs administrations are being called upon to deliver services that are not only faster but also more accurate, adaptable and forward-looking. AI offers capabilities that clearly transcend basic automation: It allows for the analysis of massive volumes of data, supports predictive modeling and facilitates intelligent, data-driven decision-making. At the center of this transformation stands KCS.
KCS has taken a forward-looking and proactive approach to adopting AI technologies in its operations. By leveraging a vast archive of accumulated customs data, it has driven meaningful innovation across its administrative processes. Since 2017, KCS has invested in nurturing an information and communication technology-ready workforce, and in 2021, took a further step by establishing a dedicated team focused exclusively on AI initiatives.
Currently, KCS operates a total of 10 AI models applied to various core functions such as risk-based cargo selectivity, X-ray image analysis, and origin verification. These AI models have shown tangible outcomes: Detection rates for high-risk goods and passengers have increased up to eightfold, and the time required to analyze large-scale datasets has been reduced dramatically — from nearly one hour to under a single minute. With a robust foundation built on advanced technology, large-scale data and a highly skilled workforce, KCS is now transitioning from simply adopting AI tools to strategically integrating them into core customs functions.
This significant evolution will be showcased in a special exhibition held alongside the upcoming SCCP meeting. Participants will be able to experience cutting-edge customs technologies firsthand, including AI-powered systems for cargo classification and valuation, as well as real-time interpretation tools that support field operations. Through this immersive and informative experience, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the future of customs operations as envisioned by Korea.
In addition to the exhibition, sessions at the Plenary will offer a comprehensive overview of Korea’s journey with AI in customs. These sessions will feature successful case studies, including KCS’s digital platform for e-commerce clearance, developed in close partnership with the private sector. Such information exchanges are expected to serve as a foundation for mutual learning, shared growth and long-term collaboration among APEC economies pursuing digital customs modernization.
Furthermore, as SCCP Chair, KCS is focused on drafting the new SCCP Strategic Plan 2026-2029 — a roadmap that will outline key priorities for APEC member economies. The plan will designate AI-driven innovation in customs administration as a top priority, and will specifically codify areas such as capacity-building for AI utilization, standardization of data formats and enhanced system interoperability. It is designed to help bridge the digital divide in customs administration across the region and to strengthen the collective capacity of member economies for effective and timely response to global challenges.
The digital transformation of customs through AI is no longer a future aspiration — it is an imminent, shared imperative that calls for active international engagement. Drawing upon successful experiences and long-term expertise, the Korea Customs Service is fully committed to reaffirming its cooperation with the global community. The upcoming APEC SCCP meeting marks a significant step in this journey — a cornerstone for a new trade landscape, powered by advanced technologies and strengthened with global solidarity.
Lee Myeong-ku is the Korea Customs Service commissioner.