USAID, through its Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), has delivered the first two of five mobile X-ray scanners procured to enhance customs operations at key border crossing points (BCPs) along Ukraine’s borders with Slovakia, Romania and Moldova. These scanners will reduce inspection times, accelerate vehicle processing, and strengthen security, demonstrating USAID’s commitment to modernizing Ukraine’s border infrastructure and improving trade flow efficiency.
By December 25, ERA’s vendor delivered two scanners to Ukraine, which were received at the Porubne-Siret (Romania) and Uzhhorod-Vysne Nemecke (Slovakia) road BCPs after customs clearance. In January 2025, the third scanner will be delivered to Orlivka-Isaccea (Romania) ferry BCP, providing a direct trade route to southern Europe and Turkey. Training for the relevant border personnel on commissioning, operation, and maintenance of all three scanners is scheduled for January 2025. The delivery of the final two scanners is scheduled for April 2025, to the Reni-Giurgiulești (Moldova) and Dyakove-Halmeu (Romania) road BCPs, further bolstering border management and trade facilitation.
The state-of-the-art mobile X-ray scanners are used to inspect vehicles and cargo through employing high-energy X-rays, enabling customs officials to detect concealed items, threats, or illegal goods in real time without the need for the unpacking of cargo. These non-intrusive inspections prevent smuggling, ensure regulatory compliance, and streamline border operations. The scanners’ mobility allows flexible deployment, enhancing security and improving efficiency across various BCPs. Overall, USAID ERA’s improvements to Ukraine’s western border BCPs will accelerate trade flows, reduce delays, and directly benefit businesses while fostering economic growth and stability for local communities.
Background: Between 2023 and 2026, USAID is allocating $115 million through ERA to support the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure, Ukrainian Railways (UZ), and the State Customs Service. This funding will further modernize border crossings, enhance trade efficiency, and boost export volumes, contributing to Ukraine’s long-term economic resilience.