The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) is stepping up its game in modernizing trade and customs operations across the country, with the digitization of ports and border operations.

Through its Customs Department, the LRA has successfully rolled out the ASYCUDA World system and introduced an Online Duty-Free Application at six key Customs Business Offices (CBOs), spanning both urban and rural locations.

Fully digitized CBOs now include: Roberts International Airport (RIA), Bo Waterside, Buchanan Port, Yekepa, Ganta, and most recently, Loguatuo.

This marks a major breakthrough for rural Liberia ushering in one of the most robust digital customs upgrades the country has seen in years. It’s a bold move that speaks to the LRA’s commitment to efficient, transparent, and tech-driven border services.

ASYCUDA World is an Automated System for Customs processes a powerful electronic platform that replaces the old paper-based processes. It speeds up customs declarations, streamlines transit operations, sharpens accounting and reporting, and ultimately reduces clearance times while boosting data accuracy and trade efficiency.

The phased rollout began at RIA, Bo Waterside, Buchanan, Yekepa, and Ganta, with Loguatuo being the latest to go live. More deployments are on the way for Toe Town (Grand Gedeh County) and Harper (Maryland County) in the coming days.

To support this transition, the LRA has trained customs officers and brokers on the new system, conducted awareness sessions for border security actors, and installed the necessary IT equipment at all deployment sites.

In another major step forward, the LRA’s own tech team has built and launched a brand-new Online Duty-Free Application Platform. This innovation allows qualified individuals and institutions to submit duty-free requests electronically eliminating paperwork and minimizing manual errors.

Bazzie Akoi, Supervisor of the ASYCUDA Functional Team, hailed the rollout as a game-changer. “This is a milestone achievement that will significantly improve customs processes at our connected rural ports. The introduction of these digital platforms reflects the LRA’s commitment to building a transparent, accountable, and modern customs administration in support of national development,” he said.

 Cecilia Dixon-McGill, Manager for Rural Customs Ports, emphasized the importance of decentralizing services: “This shift to full automation is both timely and strategic. It enhances trade facilitation, boosts revenue mobilization, and supports the decentralization of customs services across Liberia.”

She also extended appreciation to all partners and stakeholders whose support made this transition possible.

Meanwhile, William Gegeh, Manager for Customs Reform and Modernization, didn’t mince his words: “We are creating the enabling environment and providing the necessary support to enhance the automation process. Going forward, there will be no room for excuses. Customs officers must fully utilize the system once deployed.”

This entire rollout is part of the LRA’s broader modernization push—aimed at aligning Liberia’s customs operations with global best practices, strengthening border security, and boosting domestic revenue through smarter, faster, and more reliable digital tools.