Body cameras rolled out nationwide for Customs officers in Ukraine

The Cabinet of Ministers decided on Wednesday, May 21, to mandate the use of body cameras by customs officers at all checkpoints, the Ministry of Finance reported.

Body-worn cameras were piloted in 2023–2024 at the Rava-Ruska checkpoint under Lviv Customs with support from the EU Advisory Mission. During the pilot, the time required for customs clearance of goods and vehicles was reduced, while budget revenues increased by 36%.

Body cameras will now be deployed at all checkpoints where the necessary equipment is available.

The devices will be attached to customs officers’ uniforms and will record continuously throughout customs procedures.

Unauthorized deactivation of the cameras or deletion of video recordings is strictly prohibited.

Notices informing travelers of video surveillance will be displayed at checkpoints.

The approved procedure outlines the rules for the use, storage, and protection of video data, including 24-hour online access to recordings when technically feasible.

The Ministry of Finance has been tasked with approving detailed operational guidelines for the use of body cameras.

• In April, it was reported that businesses gave the highest rating in over a decade to the performance of customs services.
• That same month, the Cabinet of Ministers required all customs officers to undergo integrity checks every three years.