New X-ray machines spot banned items before delivery

X-ray machines which can read bar codes on packages and report suspicious items inside have been installed at four delivery companies in Shanghai on a trial basis, police said yesterday.

Banned items will trigger an alert at a center in the Pudong New Area which will relay information to district police for further investigation.

This year, police have carried over 6,000 inspections at delivery companies and 5,000 at logistics companies in the city, with 289 of them punished for offenses.

Companies have been told to ensure that every package has an identifiable deliverer and receiver and is examined before delivery.

China bans explosive, flammable, corrosive, toxic, infectious and radio-active objects in packages for delivery as well as objects considered to be "dangerous to state security, social order and stability."

Delivery companies who break the rules can lose their license to operate and fines of up to 500,000 yuan (US$76,000).