AI & Customs Series. Episode 3: How can we stay smarter than AIs?

We invite you to view the thought-provoking interview between Enrika Naujoke, Director at CustomsClear, and Frank Heijmann, Counsellor Customs at the Permanent Representation of The Netherlands to the European Union.

This discussion explores several aspects of artificial intelligence and its implications for customs, education and governance:

• Whilst artificial intelligence can process and retain vastly more factual information than humans, it has not yet mastered intuition - a distinctly human advantage that combines verbal and non-verbal understanding.
• Historical evidence suggests that technological advancement transforms occupations rather than eliminates them entirely. As demonstrated by the Dutch Customs, the introduction of sophisticated IT systems has changed roles but actually increased the number of customs officers employed.
• Artificial intelligence could serve as a valuable tool for lawmakers by identifying contradictions and inconsistencies in proposed legislation, thereby improving coherence and effectiveness.
• Despite its analytical capabilities, artificial intelligence should not assume responsibility for creating laws, as it fundamentally lacks human values and cannot comprehend the social objectives underpinning legislation.
• As technological infrastructure advances, particularly with developments such as the EU Data Hub, there must be parallel progress in harmonising human expertise across member states.
• Coordinated educational programmes at the European Union level for both customs officials and businesses would foster consistency in customs practices, strengthen cross-border relationships and enhance overall compliance.

CustomsClear launched this series because we are committed to making regulations and compliance easier and more accessible. We are developing Picoco, the AI-based engine behind Personal Customs & Regulations Knowledge Assistants. Find out more at www.picoco.ai and don't miss the opportunity of a pilot project.