Ukraine's electronic border queue system eCherha begins testing a priority mechanism for freight vehicles on 17 July at 09:00. The feature applies at every checkpoint that processes trucks over 3.5 tonnes.
Which trucks get priority:
- AEO holders — carriers certified as Authorised Economic Operators
- T1 transit — shipments moving under a customs transit declaration
- TIR carnet — international road transport under TIR
- Perishable cargo — a separate priority category
Document validity is verified automatically. eCherha is integrated with State Customs Service databases, so carriers do not submit paperwork to claim priority — the system reads the status directly.
The 3:5 ratio explained:
For every five standard trucks, three priority trucks pass through. The rotation runs as follows:
- 1 truck with perishable cargo and customs simplification
- 1 truck with perishable cargo
- 1 truck with customs simplification (AEO, T1, TIR)
- 5 trucks without priority
Practical advice for drivers:
This is a test phase, and queue positions will shift once the mechanism activates. Check your place in the online queue more often than usual during the first days — priority entries carry a visible marker.
Friday was chosen deliberately because online queues are shortest then, limiting disruption. Before departure, review live wait times on the truck drivers hub and see how customs document checks changed in June.
Deputy Minister Serhii Derkach noted that digital tools deliver full value only alongside physical infrastructure, such as dedicated AEO lanes at crossing points.
Source: eCherha