Nepal: Enhancing customs’ capacities through advanced X-Ray image analysis training

Kathmandu, Nepal/12 December 2025: Non-intrusive inspection (NII) technologies, such as X-ray and gamma-ray scanners, have become essential tools for modern border management. By allowing cargo, vehicles, and baggage to be inspected without being opened, NII enables faster clearance, supports legitimate trade and travel, and reduces disruption to supply chains. For Customs authorities, these tools strengthen detection capabilities and shift enforcement from time-consuming manual checks to intelligence-led, risk-based targeting.

With support of the US Government, UNODC under its Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP) conducted a four-day training on X-ray image interpretation, bringing together 16 officers from seven different duty stations across Nepal, including international airports and key border crossings with China and India.

Delivered by an international expert from the World Customs Organization, the training combined theoretical instruction with hands-on exercises. Participants enhanced their proficiency in analysing scanned images, recognizing concealed compartments, and spotting irregular cargo patterns that cannot be detected through external checks. Enhanced image interpretation skills will enable officers to more effectively identify high-risk consignments and carry out targeted inspections with greater precision.

Officers explored how the X-ray scanned images can be used to support intelligence-led decision-making rather than random checks, enabling resources to be focused where risks are highest. Participants also discussed how stored scanned images can serve as evidence in investigations, audits, and legal proceedings, reinforcing transparency and accountability across the enforcement chain.

Participants welcomed the focus on ensuring officer’s safety. By minimizing direct contact with potentially dangerous cargo, chemicals, sharp objects, or concealed individuals, NII reduces exposure to physical and chemical hazards. This aspect resonated strongly with participants working in high-pressure environments at border crossings and airports. The training also provided a valuable platform for peer exchange. Officers from different locations shared operational challenges, discussed emerging concealment trends, and exchanged practical solutions drawn from their respective duty stations.

This activity contributed to SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Supported by the US Government)