MONROVIA – The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), in partnership with local and international stakeholders, has officially launched Liberia’s second Time Release Study (TRS), a key reform instrument aimed at accelerating cross-border trade and enhancing customs efficiency.
The launch event, held at the Liberia Chamber of Commerce on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Nov 4, 2025, brought together representatives from the World Customs Organization (WCO), the UK High Commission, the National Customs Brokers Association of Liberia, National Trade facilitation Committee, senior government officials, and other trade facilitators.
The TRS, developed by the World Customs Organization, is an internationally recognized methodology for measuring the total time it takes for goods to move through the supply chain—from their arrival at a border point to their final release. By identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and procedural delays, the TRS provides evidence-based insights that support more transparent, predictable, and business-friendly trade processes.
Speaking at the ceremony, LRA Commissioner of Customs, Mr. Saa Saamoi, said the TRS represents a crucial benchmark for performance improvement and accountability within the customs and trade environment. “The Time Release Study is an essential instrument for understanding and improving the smooth movement of goods across our borders. Its findings will guide reforms that strengthen transparency, predictability, and efficiency in our operations,” Commissioner Saamoi stated.
He extended appreciation to the World Customs Organization (WCO) and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom for their sustained support in helping Liberia meet its obligations under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
Delivering remarks, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Madam Ellen Dagoseh, described the TRS as a major reform milestone aligned with the Government’s ARREST (Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation and Tourism) Agenda for Inclusive Development. “This study signals the beginning of a transformative process toward a more efficient, transparent, and competitive trading environment that expands opportunities and shared prosperity for all Liberians,” she noted.
Speaking on behalf of the UK High Commission, Mr. Simon Tooth reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support through HMRC and the WCO. “The Time Release Study is a strategic tool for identifying bottlenecks and improving customs performance. The UK remains committed to supporting Liberia’s development agenda and promoting sustainable prosperity,” he emphasized.
Mr. Arman Zhalitov, Country and Project Lead of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Accelerated Trade Facilitation Program, reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to providing technical assistance through the Program, which supports developing economies in strengthening customs efficiency and enhancing trade competitiveness.
Also making remarks, National Port Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Mr. Sekou Dukuly, commended the LRA for leading the initiative, noting its alignment with the NPA’s RESET Agenda—a five-year strategic plan that seeks to boost port efficiency and cut clearance time by up to 50%. “This study is a beacon of hope and a clear demonstration of our shared commitment to ensuring cargo moves faster and safer through our ports,” he said.
Liberia conducted its first Time Release Study in 2018, with the findings validated and officially published in 2020. That assessment identified critical trade-flow challenges, including documentation delays, limited automation, and congestion at key borders. Several of its recommendations—such as enhanced digitization, improved inter-agency coordination, and modernization of customs processes—have since been implemented.
The second TRS builds upon those initial gains and will evaluate progress made, pinpoint remaining constraints, and guide the next phase of customs modernization and trade facilitation reforms. It represents a major step forward in strengthening Liberia’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.
