The World Customs Organization (WCO) has completed a week-long assessment in Liberia aimed at helping the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) strengthen its customs system and prepare for the introduction of an internationally recognized Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program.
The exercise, conducted under the WCO’s Accelerate Trade Facilitation Program with funding from the United Kingdom’s His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), focused on assessing Liberia’s preparedness to meet international standards for the AEO system.
The assessment also identified areas that need improvement as the LRA works to upgrade its existing Trusted Traders Program and bring it closer to internationally accepted practices.
The AEO Program is designed to improve cooperation between Customs and legitimate businesses by giving compliant traders more efficient customs procedures. Once fully implemented, the program is expected to speed up cargo clearance, improve compliance, strengthen border controls and make international trade more predictable for businesses.
Speaking at the close of the mission in Monrovia, Assistant Commissioner for Customs Port Operations, Edwin F. Kendema, thanked the WCO team for providing technical support and practical guidance during the exercise.
Kendema said the LRA remains committed to working with the WCO, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure the program is successfully introduced and contributes to Liberia’s broader trade facilitation efforts.
WCO Trade Facilitation Expert Yasmeen Elahi said the assessment provided an opportunity to identify gaps between Liberia’s current Trusted Traders Program and international AEO standards.
She said the team also examined international experiences and best practices that could help Liberia improve its existing system.
Elahi commended LRA Customs officers for their participation and commitment during the week-long exercise, expressing confidence that Liberia can develop an AEO program that benefits both government and the private sector.
Representatives of the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Program, Angelina Yurkova and David Tanenbaum, also praised participants for their engagement and reaffirmed the organization’s support for Liberia’s customs modernization efforts.
The technical sessions were also supported by WCO AEO expert Nnenna Ugo-Awa of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The initiative forms part of the LRA’s wider efforts to modernize customs administration, improve border management, strengthen supply chain security and make it easier for legitimate businesses to move goods across Liberia’s borders.
When fully operational, the AEO Program is expected to provide compliant traders with faster clearance procedures and greater predictability, while helping Customs improve oversight and enforcement.
For Liberia, authorities say the initiative could also help improve the country’s standing as a reliable trading partner and strengthen its position within the ECOWAS regional market.
