The USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) has procured 20 high-tech X-ray backscatter scanners to be used at Ukraine’s western border crossing points (BCPs). USAID ERA has already delivered the first 10 scanners to the State Customs, with plans to deliver the remaining 10 by mid-September. The scanners will be distributed across 12 BCPs, and ERA is planning a training to Customs officials on the use of the scanning systems, to be held by the end of August.
These scanners are a non-intrusive and quick way to scan vehicles, eliminating the need for in-depth inspections and deterring contrabands, thereby enabling Customs officials to speed up customs formalities at the BCPs and build confidence in the inspection process. Thus, they will increase the BCPs’ capacity for processing cargo for export and greatly enhance the BCP’s day-to-day operations and the users’ positive experience.
Cameron Berkuti, ERA BCP Director, noted, “These scanners will not only help increase border security but also improve cargo processing procedures by accelerating the export process.”
Between 2023 and 2026, USAID, through ERA, is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine. This support includes the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (Ministry for Restoration), the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (Agency for Restoration), the State Customs Service, and Ukrainian Railways (UZ) to upgrade 42 of Ukraine’s border crossing points (BCPs).