Guyana has embarked on a transformative Customs modernization journey as the newest partner country of the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme.
Supported by the United Kingdom’s His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme will support the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in aligning with the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards by providing support on Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) and the implementation of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme – both reform areas were notified by Guyana as TFA Category C. These efforts are designed to streamline Customs procedures, bolster supply chain security and compliance, improve trade facilitation, ultimately fostering a more efficient and enabling trading environment in Guyana.
Marking the start of the reform journey, the Programme conducted PCA and AEO gap analysis from 9 to 16 June 2025. The British High Commissioner to Guyana, Ms. Jane Miller, commended the GRA for its high-level commitment to capacity building and the drive for an establishment of a world-class administrative framework. She further noted that “The UK is proud to be supporting the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, and I warmly welcome the GRA’s official participation. With HMRC, the WCO, and GRA working together, I am certain that the strategic partnerships being created will lead to many successes in strengthening trade infrastructure and enhancing the efficiency of cross-border procedures”.
Mr. Rohan Beekhoo, the GRA Comptroller of Customs, Excise, and Trade Operations, highlighted the desired strategic shift from GRA’s existing Trusted Trader Programme to a comprehensive AEO Programme in line with the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards. He also underscored the importance of advancing risk management strategies to effectively categorize traders according to their risk profiles within a fully automated framework.
The gap analysis included deliberations with private sector representatives, which recognized the importance of Customs-to-Business partnership and the role of PCA and AEO as vital components of a comprehensive risk management strategy. The work of the GRA’s PCA and AEO Working Group resulted in the development of draft Action Plans, which encompass key building blocks such as an enabling Legal Framework, Risk Management Instruments, Operational Procedures, Information Technology, Liaison with Stakeholders, Evaluation Mechanisms and Human Resource Management.
Guyana joined the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme in June 2025 as the Programme’s 13th partner country. Looking ahead, the Accelerate Trade Facilitation will continue to support the GRA with a sequence of activities in enhancing its PCA operational instruments and develop and implement a transitional plan from the Trusted Trader to a full AEO Programme.
For more information on the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, please see here.