Customs aims to expand X-Ray scanners to all border crossings after Merdare

Kosovo Customs is expected to soon expand the use of mobile X-Ray scanners to the country’s other border crossings as well, including those with North Macedonia and Albania, following the commissioning of the first scanner at the Merdare border crossing.

According to Kosovo Customs officials, after the installation and activation of the scanner at Merdare, the goal remains to gradually cover all major border crossings with modern equipment for inspecting goods and vehicles.

The mobile X-Ray scanner at Merdare was secured as a donation from the Government of the United States of America through the EXBS program and has been described as one of the most modern devices for inspecting cargo and identifying risks at the border. After installation, Kosovo Customs trained staff and tested the equipment before it was put into use.

This technology allows trucks and cargo to be inspected without the need to physically open them, reducing the time required for customs procedures and increasing the ability to detect smuggling, weapons, drugs, and undeclared goods.

The issue of installing scanners at Kosovo’s borders has been addressed for several years. In 2024, Prime Minister Albin Kurti had stated that the full opening of border crossings for the circulation of goods from Serbia would be conditional on securing modern scanners for cargo inspection. During that period, Kosovo Customs had launched procedures to purchase mobile scanners, while international partners had offered the possibility of donations for these devices.

Also, in October 2024, the authorities had announced that the other border crossings would be opened and equipped with scanners as soon as the necessary technological infrastructure was secured.

According to Kosovo Customs, expanding the scanner network at border crossings with Albania, North Macedonia, and other international crossings is expected to strengthen border security, speed up customs procedures, and facilitate the movement of goods entering and leaving the country.