Liberia

7.7 - Authorized operators

Articles	7.7.1 – 7.7.2 (a) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (i), (ii) – 7.7.3 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) – 7.7.4 – 7.7.5 – 7.7.6 View measure text
Indicative date of implementation	22 February 2019
Definitive date of implementation	22 February 2025
Extension of implementation dates	Request received 2 December 2024 Original definitive date 22 February 2025 New date requested 22 February 2028 Agreed date Reason Additional time is needed to secure technical assistance for the development of legal and regulatory framework, as well as comprehensive criteria and procedure for assessment of Authorized Operators. Support is also needed to build the human resource capacity of relevant actors. Committee approval: Not approved Link to notification G/TFA/N/LBR/1/Add.2
Assistance required for implementation	Legal Framework • Develop relevant legislations to allow the setup of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. Policy • Develop an authorized economic operator policy. Procedure • Develop proper procedure and criteria for the assessment of AEO that meet specified criteria in the AEO program and in consideration of the ISO 17712:2013. Human Resource/Training • Capacity building and training for customs officers, other border agencies and quarantine officers on the implementation of the AEO and to ensure full compliance with this measure. • Conduct awareness campaigns Tags: Legislative and regulatory framework, Human resources and training, Awareness-raising
Donor / Agency	World Customs Organization, United Kingdom
Progress reported	31 July 2026 — G/TFA/N/LBR/4/Rev.1 Liberia has already established the foundations of an Authorized Operator programme through the implementation of the Compliance Trader Programme (CTP), which was launched by Customs in March 2015. Currently, twenty (20) traders, primarily large importers, are approved under the CTP, having demonstrated a strong compliance record with both Customs and domestic tax requirements. The programme includes established eligibility criteria, including site audits, and offers facilitation benefits such as simplified clearance procedures. While the CTP incorporates elements of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, further work is required to align it with international AEO standards and fully achieve the objectives of Article 7.7 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. In 2026, the WCO, under the UK-funded Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, provided training to Customs officers on AEO principles and implementation. 22 August 2022 — G/TFA/N/LBR/4 To date, no development partners have proposed assistance for the implementation of this measure.