Revenue is using X-ray scanning equipment made by a Chinese company that has been flagged by the European Parliament over security concerns.
Nuctech supplies equipment such as X-ray scanners and explosive detection technology to airports and ports.
Earlier this month, a group of MEPs wrote to the European Commission to state the company has links to the Chinese government and that this presents an “unacceptable security risk” to the bloc.
The MEPs said that data collected from this equipment could be at risk of being transferred to Chinese authorities.
“A contract with Nuctech also means dependency on a risky Chinese state-owned vendor and its personnel for the management, maintenance, system improvements or other technical routine checks of Europe’s border security systems,” the letter said.
Revenue operates Nuctech equipment in Dublin, Cork and Rosslare for detecting drugs, contraband or other illegal goods entering the State.
“Revenue operates a number of cargo/vehicle X-ray scanners, including Nuctech scanners, which were purchased following Government Procurement Rules,” a spokeswoman for Revenue said. “Revenue will continue to operate fully in line with Government Procurement Rules and with relevant advice regarding detection technology deployment.”
The company was founded by the son of former Chinese president Hu Jintao
DAA, which runs Dublin and Cork airports, previously stated that it has some Nuctech equipment but it declined to comment on the MEPs’ letter.
Nuctech did not respond to a request for comment. The company has previously denied any links to the Chinese government or that data is inadequately handled.
The company was founded by the son of former Chinese president Hu Jintao.
In the last few years, the company has come under scrutiny by US authorities. Most recently the Washington Post reported that US officials were urging Mexico to shelve a deal to purchase Nuctech equipment.
In 2020, an $8.6m deal with Canada to use Nuctech equipment in embassies was cancelled following a security review.
