The EU4IBM-Resilience Project, funded by the European Union, delivered seven uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems with embedded power stabilizers in temperature-controlled cabinets to ensure the continuous operation of stationary X-ray scanners at seven of Ukraine’s key border crossing points (BCPs).

The equipment, valued at almost EUR 200 000, was installed at Yahodyn, Rava-Ruska, Shehyni, Krakivets, Porubne, Uzhhorod, and Chop, over 6–13 December 2024. The new systems directly address the State Customs Service’s (SCS) need to eliminate delays caused by electricity outages. Before the installation, equipment shutdowns during power cuts led to operational interruptions of up to 30 minutes, impacting the efficiency of cargo inspections.

Now, the delivered MY40S UPS systems provide stable backup power to keep the scanners running smoothly during brief outages or while switching to backup generators. This means customs officers can maintain uninterrupted screening of vehicles and goods, ensuring border control operations proceed without delays.

"This procurement represents an important element of the actively ongoing large-scale equipping of the Ukrainian border with modern technical means of customs control. Uninterruptible power supplies have been placed at the strategically important checkpoints located on key logistics routes, where stationary scanning systems for cargo inspection are installed. Such equipment allows to avoid work interruptions due to power outages, which is especially important to manage transport flows at busy BCPs and create favourable conditions for businesses," said Serhii Zviahintsev, Head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

The EU4IBM-Resilience Project delivered the equipment in response to the specific needs identified earlier by project experts jointly with the SCS. While preventing unnecessary interruptions during short power outages, the UPS also address the risks of equipment breakdowns caused by unexpected power cuts which can lead to much longer suspension of proper controls and slowdown of traffic.

“This intervention provides a tangible solution to a concrete problem but also contributes to achieving the strategic goal of countering contraband and supporting trade flows at Ukraine’s borders. By helping keep stationary scanning equipment powered during outages in some BCPs, and by supplying mobile cargo scanners to some other BCPs, our project helps ensure the smooth processing of vehicles and goods while improving overall border security”, emphasized Vyacheslav Toporov, EU4IBM-Resilience Project Manager.

With the installation of these systems, Ukraine’s border crossing points are better equipped to handle electricity disruptions, enabling customs authorities to maintain effective and reliable operations, even in challenging conditions. This activity is part of the EU4IBM-Resilience project’s strategy to contribute to wider and more productive use of non-intrusive inspection equipment that allows for the most efficient way of cargo and vehicle control but also of risk management, law enforcement and fight against corruption related to cross-border trade. 

In addition to procuring equipment, including cutting-edge mobile cargo vehicle scanners, the project delivers extensive training on image interpretation as well as certification courses for older scanners and the newly purchased equipment. These project activities naturally contribute into the broader context of the Solidarity Lanes initiative by the European Union and are implemented in close coordination with relevant EU-funded and other connected projects.

For more information: Vyacheslav Toporov, ICMPD Senior Project Manager, [email protected]  

Background information: The project “EU Support to Strengthening Integrated Border Management in Ukraine –Resilience (EU4IBM-Resilience)” is funded by the EU and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). The project is aimed at building the resilience of the Ukrainian border management agencies during wartime, as well as supporting further reforms to approximate the border management system of Ukraine to the EU standards and best practices in line with the Integrated Border Management Strategy of Ukraine adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers on 24 July 2019. The project runs from December 2022 until May 2025.