In order to safeguard imported and export goods, the Revenue Department has asked the Customs to ensure that surveillance cameras are installed at all cargo areas within a month so as to check unauthorised access.

"Security of imported and export goods in Customs areas is of utmost importance and any unauthorised access/entry should be prohibited at any cost," the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) said in a communication to senior Customs officials and Director General of Revenue Intelligence.

It has been noticed, CBEC said, that video cameras and close circuit television (CCTV) systems have not been installed at many such places.

"Accordingly, Board has decided that Commissioner of Customs...should ensure that video cameras and CCTVs Systems are installed in the Customs area for security and to prohibit unauthorised access to the premises," CBEC said.

Also, the video footage should be available to Customs, which "shall regularly monitor the same", it added.

It also said that Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has emphasised on the utility of video cameras and CCTV from the view point of preventive vigilance.

As per the Handling of Cargo in Customs Areas Regulations, 2009, Customs Cargo Service Provider (CCSP) and others concerned should provide security and access control to prohibit unauthorised access to cargo areas.