Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan Boost Customs Lab Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — An online meeting was held between the Central Customs Laboratory of the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan and the Central Customs Laboratory of the State Revenue Committee under the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan, focusing on strengthening professional cooperation.

The talks took place within the framework of the Mutual Cooperation Plan for 2025–2026, signed on 22 May 2025 by the heads of the customs services of both countries.

The Head of the Central Customs Laboratory, which holds regional status within the World Customs Organization, R. Ruziev, presented information and recommendations to the Kazakh side on the development of forensic expertise within customs authorities.

Special attention was given to the implementation of expertise in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, as well as potent substances. Organizational, legal and technical aspects of building such a system were discussed, including the development of regulatory frameworks, laboratory infrastructure, technical equipment and staff training.

The sides also considered the introduction of validation and quality control systems, interagency cooperation, and phased access to information databases for practical implementation.

During the discussion, the Kazakh side received detailed responses to the questions raised.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation, exchanging experience, and developing joint initiatives aimed at improving the effectiveness of efforts against the illicit trafficking of narcotic substances. The topic and date of the next meeting were also agreed upon.