Two Port Control Units (PCUs) were opened in Chukursay and Angren Customs posts in Uzbekistan on 15 March 2016 in the framework of "UNODC-World Customs Organization (WCO) Global Container Control Programme - Regional Segment for Central Asia and Azerbaijan". Premises for both PCUs were provided by the Uzbekistan which joined Container Control Programme in December 2013. Port Control Units were equipped with computer and office equipment in addition to the ContainerComm secure communication system with the State Customs Committee's officers trained.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Ravshan Akramov, the Head of the International Customs Cooperation Department of the State Customs Committee expressed the satisfaction with the effective implementation of the Container Control Programme (CCP) in Uzbekistan including the establishment of PCUs and provision of practical trainings, mentorship programmes, exchange visits and study tours. In addition, Mr. Akramov informed that starting from April 2016 a new edition of the Customs Code will come into force, by which the new risk management system will be introduced.
Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia stated that CCP is uniquely placed to assist Government to create sustainable enforcement structures in selected sea and dry ports in order to minimize the risk of shipping containers being exploited for illicit drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.
The CCP Regional Segment for Central Asia and Azerbaijan is funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program.
