It will be for use by Spain Customs and Excise, a department within the Spanish Tax Agency. With this order, Spain will obtain its first ZBV system, which will be used on their borders for trade fraud interdiction of items such as cigarettes. This also marks the first order for the recently introduced ZBV S-Class, which offers a reduced operational footprint and a sleek, contemporary appearance.
“Spain Customs and Excise joins many of the world’s most prestigious customs and government organizations that rely on the ZBV system to regulate trade fraud across their borders and collect unpaid revenue on smuggled goods,” said Anthony R. Fabiano, President and CEO of AS&E. “Our highly mobile ZBV screening system has proven time and again its ability to safely and successfully detect contraband, with many reported seizures of tobacco and alcohol. With the ZBV S-Class, Spain Customs and Excise will have a more streamlined chassis that provides added flexibility for scanning objects in space constrained areas on their borders.”
Z Backscatter Van (ZBV): The Number One Selling Cargo & Vehicle Inspection System in the World
A breakthrough in X-ray detection technology, Z Backscatter Van is the number one selling cargo and vehicle inspection system on the market, with more than 625 systems sold to more than 125 different customers in 57 countries. Since its introduction in 2003, the ZBV system has consistently received the highest marks for quality, reliability, and performance with a proven record of detection results. The ZBV system is a low-cost, highly mobile screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. It allows for immediate deployment in response to security threats, and its high throughput capability facilitates rapid inspections.
The ZBV system is used by leading government agencies, border authorities, military bases, law enforcement departments and security agencies worldwide, including: U.S. Customs and Border Protection on multiple borders; Abu Dhabi Customs to safeguard borders; NATO Communications and Information Agency at military checkpoints; Bulgaria Customs combating trade fraud on borders; Dutch Customs Administration to scan empty airplanes; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect a high-level facility; the Port of Venice to perform rapid inspections of suspect vehicles; Tunisian Customs to combat trade fraud; customs security for a Port Authority in Asia; and the Democratic Republic of Congo to fight the illegal export of timber. The U.S. government has deployed hundreds of ZBV systems for homeland security and force protection applications to detect VBIEDs (vehicle borne improvised explosive devices), drugs, stowaways and other contraband in war zones, military bases, and on U.S. ports and borders.
The ZBV system incorporates Z Backscatter technology — pioneered and perfected at AS&E — and provides a single-sided configuration, small footprint, user friendly operation, rapid scan speed and varied operating modes to provide maximum maneuverability and flexibility for multiple applications.
The ZBV system is now available in three configurations — ZBV C-Class, ZBV R-Class, and ZBV S-Class — to meet the diverse needs of ZBV customers:
ZBV C-Class: The original ZBV system built with a custom coach on a Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter cab chassis.
ZBV R-Class: Built for rugged terrain, the Ford® F550® chassis offers 4WD, additional ground clearance and a crew cab for extra space.
ZBV S-Class: The newest addition to the ZBV line, built in a standard Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel van for a contemporary appearance and with a reduced operational footprint for scanning objects in the tightest confines.