Imagine a scenario where customs clearance efficiency improves dramatically, business operational costs decrease significantly, and international trade barriers gradually dissolve. This is not a distant vision but the promising blueprint of the Preferred Trader Programme (PTP). Recently, with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Namibia Customs and Excise (NCE) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Secretariat successfully completed a capability gap assessment for Namibia's PTP, laying a solid foundation for its implementation.
From June 20 to 24, 2016, at the invitation of NCE, a WCO expert team conducted a week-long PTP capability gap assessment in Namibia under the WCO-SACU Connect project framework. The assessment aimed to comprehensively evaluate Namibia's strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and potential solutions in implementing PTP, providing robust support for piloting and nationwide rollout.
Key Areas of Assessment
The WCO experts collaborated closely with SACU Secretariat and NCE officials to analyze critical areas including:
- Risk management systems: Establishing robust risk assessment mechanisms to identify high-risk shipments while facilitating low-risk goods.
- Post-clearance audit capabilities: Enhancing professional auditing teams to improve efficiency and accuracy in combating smuggling.
- Legal framework modernization: Reviewing and amending existing regulations to align with PTP requirements.
- IT system upgrades: Automating PTP-related processes to enhance clearance efficiency and data exchange.
- Stakeholder engagement: Strengthening communication with businesses and industry associations.
- Human resource development: Training customs personnel on PTP implementation.
Strategic Implementation Plan
The assessment resulted in a detailed draft action plan endorsed by Namibia's Customs Commissioner. This plan will guide NCE's PTP pilot project launch with full implementation targeted for 2018.
The WCO-SACU Connect project, funded by the Swedish government, aims to establish regional PTP frameworks and mutual recognition arrangements to boost trade facilitation across SACU member states. This initiative is expected to reduce trade costs, improve clearance efficiency, attract foreign investment, and stimulate regional economic growth.
Program Benefits
PTP, a flagship WCO trade facilitation measure, creates mutual trust between customs and compliant businesses through streamlined clearance procedures. For enterprises, PTP offers:
- Priority clearance and reduced inspections
- Enhanced international trade credibility
- Lower compliance risks and operational costs
For customs administrations, PTP enables:
- More efficient resource allocation toward high-risk shipments
- Improved trade facilitation metrics
- Stronger international customs cooperation
As global trade expands, PTP adoption continues gaining momentum worldwide, with increasing cross-border mutual recognition agreements creating more efficient, secure international trade environments.