Facial recognition at airport customs in Japan

This will be the first time that facial recognition technology is used for customs procedures at an airport in Japan. The electronic procedure gate will be installed at the customs inspection area where passengers proceed to after being admitted through immigration. Travelers' identities will be confirmed at a kiosk terminal (electronic declaration terminal) and at an exit gate equipped with NEC's facial recognition technology.

Furthermore, a smartphone application will facilitate electronic baggage declaration by enabling travellers to register baggage contents and passport information. These methods are expected to reduce passenger stress by relieving congestion and shortening waiting time in the customs inspection area. The facial image taken at the electronic procedure gate is only used for identification purposes and is deleted in an appropriate manner after use.

Ryouji Hayashi, Senior Vice President, NEC, stated: "NEC regards its safety business and the 'NEC Safer Cities' campaign as keys to expanding and enhancing its global business. NEC has already provided biometric identification systems, including facial recognition, to approximately 50 airports around the world, and we look forward to capitalising on this experience and know-how to contribute further to the security and safety of social infrastructure everywhere."