Imagine if customs officers could share risk intelligence globally in real time, precisely targeting smuggling and illicit trade. The World Customs Organization (WCO) is turning this vision into reality through its support for Sierra Leone's National Revenue Authority (NRA).
Under its Mercator Programme, the WCO recently assisted Sierra Leone in deploying the National Customs Enforcement Network (nCEN) system, designed to enhance risk management capabilities and streamline customs valuation processes.
Technical Mission and Objectives
At the NRA's invitation, WCO experts conducted a mission from February 6-10, 2017, to guide nCEN implementation and assess progress on valuation measures and e-learning initiatives. This project received funding from the UK government through HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as part of a broader trade facilitation capacity-building program.
The mission focused on three key areas:
- Preparing NRA staff for nCEN implementation through user training
- Reviewing recommendations for valuation improvements and performance measurement tools
- Developing a customized support plan based on Sierra Leone's needs
WCO representatives held bilateral meetings with NRA departments including Risk Management, Post-Clearance Audit, Valuation, and Training to tailor their assistance. A day-long workshop deepened participants' understanding of risk management systems and trade facilitation measures.
The nCEN Advantage
The nCEN system represents a significant leap in customs enforcement technology. This WCO-developed platform enables member administrations to:
- Collect and analyze enforcement data systematically
- Share intelligence through secure channels
- Identify high-risk shipments and individuals more effectively
For Sierra Leone, nCEN deployment means enhanced collaboration with global customs networks to combat smuggling, fraud, and other border violations.
Complementary Customs Modernization
Beyond nCEN, the WCO is supporting Sierra Leone's broader customs modernization:
Valuation Processes: Experts reviewed existing methods to ensure alignment with international standards, providing technical recommendations and e-learning resources for officers.
Time Release Study (TRS): The WCO shared methodologies for measuring cargo clearance times, helping identify bottlenecks to streamline trade flows.
Future Collaboration Framework
The mission's findings will shape a joint action plan for 2017, focusing on:
- Full nCEN implementation with training and system maintenance
- Developing robust risk management frameworks
- Continued valuation process optimization
- Implementation of trade facilitation measures
- Capacity building through specialized training programs
This partnership positions Sierra Leone to strengthen border security, improve revenue collection, and create a more business-friendly trade environment. The WCO continues supporting developing nations in building efficient, secure customs systems to foster global trade growth.