Case Study: Application of Jointech's GPS Electronic Seal in Romania's RO e-Sigiliu System

Romania, like many other countries, faces significant challenges in ensuring effective customs control, especially in international trade. Issues such as smuggling, tax evasion, and inefficient customs procedures persist. As a TIR system participant, Romania has long been committed to improving the efficiency and security of cross-border transport. In response to these challenges, Romania's government has modernized its customs procedures by implementing the E-seal system, which includes the advanced technology of Jointech's GPS Electronic Seal.

Key Challenges Addressed:

• Smuggling and Tax Evasion: Smuggling activities, especially involving excise goods, have posed significant risks to Romania's national economy and security. The GPS Electronic Seal provides robust monitoring, ensuring that goods are transported without illegal alterations.

• Inefficient Customs Procedures: Lengthy and complex customs clearance processes often delay trade and increase costs. Jointech's GPS Seal enhances these processes by providing real-time tracking, ensuring that goods are continuously monitored throughout their journey, and aligning seamlessly with TIR requirements for secure cross-border transportation.

• Tracking High-Risk Goods: Monitoring high-risk goods, particularly those prone to fraud, can be challenging. Through the GPS E-Seal, Romania's customs authorities can track goods in real time, ensuring transparency and security

Implementation:

Under the RO e-Sigiliu system, the use of GPS-enabled electronic seals is mandatory for cargo identified through risk analysis as posing customs or fiscal risks. This regulation applies to both domestic and international hauliers, particularly in the transportation of:

• Goods in customs transit between border and inland customs offices

• High-risk export goods or items subject to special export controls

• Excise goods under suspension regimes or granted exemptions

• Intra-community goods at risk of unauthorized unloading or domestic distribution

• Deliveries involving economically high-risk entities

According to Romanian legislation:

• The vehicle driver must be present during the installation of the electronic seal and is legally responsible for maintaining its integrity throughout the transport.

• Any tampering with or unauthorized removal of the seal is considered an offense, punishable by fines ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 lei (approximately €4,000–€10,000), and may be classified as a criminal offense under certain conditions.

As part of this initiative, Jointech's GPS Electronic Seal has been successfully integrated into Romania's customs monitoring system. The E-Seal delivers advanced real-time tracking and cargo monitoring capabilities, providing a comprehensive solution that enhances security, transparency, and operational efficiency across customs operations.

With this system in place, Romanian customs officers can now verify the seal's status and cargo location using tablets. The system offers real-time updates and sends immediate alerts in the event of unauthorized access or tampering—significantly strengthening security and effectively deterring fraudulent activities.

Risk analysis criteria

UNTRR explains that the system applies to transports based on specific risk analysis criteria, which include:

• Nature of the transported goods.

• Value of the goods.

• Import restrictions or prohibitions.

• Taxation regime.

• Goods classified as excisable products.

• Transport route used.

• Information from national and international law enforcement institutions.

• Suspicion of involvement in illicit economic activities.

Information regarding involvement in customs or fiscal fraud by the sender, road transport operator, principal obligor in the customs transit regime, or the goods' recipient.

Economic operators under observation for reasons such as unavailability at their registered office, identity theft, inadequate fiscal history, or issuance of security measures without full coverage of the estimated claim.

Outcome:

According to the Romanian Customs Authority, the RO e-Sigiliu System offers several advantages:

• Real-Time Monitoring: Electronic seals with GPS technology allow for complete tracking of transport routes and enable rapid intervention by mobile teams nationwide to detect and sanction customs or fiscal fraud and fraudulent handling of goods.

• Reduction of Customs and Fiscal Fraud: By closely monitoring transports, the system aims to significantly decrease illegally transported or fraudulently unloaded goods, thereby reducing customs and fiscal fraud.

• Cost Reduction: The system reduces expenses allocated to ensuring supervision and conducting customs control of goods in transit and optimizes resources through precise controls based on real-time data.

This case highlights the important role Jointech's solutions play in securing international trade and supporting global efforts to enhance customs efficiency, transparency, and safety.