Japan to expand app-using customs declaration ahead of Olympics

The system is aimed at alleviating a labor crunch at customs lanes.

labor crunch???? is that anything like 'understaffing'.

so, have I got this right? if travellers declare 'nothing to declare' via the app, they get to sail through customs?

Under the new system, travelers are required to download the app in advance, and at the e-Gate they scan their IC passport and QR code created with the app.

No thank you, I prefer to keep my personal information as private as possible. I do not trust the government and have NO idea what else the app may be scanning for when it takes my information for the declaration forms.

so, have I got this right? if travellers declare 'nothing to declare' via the app, they get to sail through customs?

I believe that's the case. You could use this loophole to smuggle some heroin or illegal contraband into Japan. Let us know how it works out.

Better still, have red and green channels so that the majority can breeze through - no forms, no apps.

Every passenger is stopped and has their passport scanned by Customs in Japan as well as filling out a declaration form-a monumental waste of time in most cases...

“You could use this loophole to smuggle some heroin or illegal contraband into Japan.”

I would think there are some safeguards built in?

Well, you would that that, and so would I. But apparently this guy thinks that the Japanese wouldn't:

so, have I got this right? if travellers declare 'nothing to declare' via the app, they get to sail through customs?

Every passenger is stopped and has their passport scanned by Customs in Japan as well as filling out a declaration form-a monumental waste of time in most cases...

I think you are confusing Immigration with Customs, Customs usually only glances at passports if they look at them at all

With several hundreds of traverses of customs, I have never had more than a brief conversation - never having any item inspected. I’d be happy to fill out an electronic form instead of paper.