According to the State Customs Service, new scanning systems will be installed at key railway points along the border with Poland by the end of 2025. These advanced technologies aim to accelerate customs inspections and combat smuggling effectively.
1. When and Where Will the Scanners Be Deployed?
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Timeline: The first scanners are expected to appear by the end of 2025.
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Border Crossings: Ukraine’s Customs plans to install them at the Mostyska-2 and Yagodyn railway checkpoints, both located on the border with Poland.
Expansion to Other Borders
Although the initial launch targets the Polish border, there are talks underway with international partners to provide similar systems at checkpoints on the Slovak and Romanian borders. The eventual goal is to have stationary scanning solutions functioning across multiple routes.
2. Purpose and Function of the Railway Scanners
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Faster Customs Procedures
The scanners will allow round-the-clock inspection of freight wagons, containers, and other rolling stock, reducing manual checks and hastening the flow of goods. -
Smuggling Detection
By comparing the cargo contents against declared documentation, the systems help uncover illicit goods, such as tobacco products, narcotics, or other contraband. -
Automated Operation
Equipped with bidirectional scanning, the technology does not require extensive human intervention. It can automatically filter out passenger cars and locomotives, focusing exclusively on freight.
3. Why Now? Boosting Trade and Safeguarding Supply Chains
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Significant Share of Exports by Rail
As reported by the customs authority, 23% of Ukraine’s exports in 2024 were shipped by rail. This is second only to maritime transport (69%), making streamlined rail checks a must. -
More Efficient Customs Control
The automated scanners meet modern standards for image detail and penetration depth, enabling customs officers to see through layers of packaging and wagon components. That means fewer physical inspections and faster clearance for legitimate cargo. -
Combat Organized Smuggling
Enhanced scanning tech supports Ukrainian efforts to minimize smuggling, reflecting international best practices. This is especially vital in cross-border trade corridors.
4. Technical Highlights of the Scanning Systems
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High Image Resolution & Penetration: Allows for detailed inspection of container interiors and wagon structures.
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Round-the-Clock Operation: Ensures continuous scanning, removing potential “after-hours” vulnerabilities.
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Selective Screening: Configured to exclude passenger cars and locomotives automatically, focusing on freight wagons.
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Data Integration: The system will link with customs databases, ensuring real-time risk profiling.
Conclusion
By the end of 2025, Ukraine aims to have state-of-the-art scanning stations operational at strategic railway checkpoints on the Polish border. These high-tech installations promise faster customs clearance, stronger anti-smuggling measures, and a more efficient border crossing process. As Ukraine continues to modernize its rail export infrastructure, businesses and traders alike stand to gain from improved security and faster processing of cargo.
