The WCO finalized the deployment of the National Customs Enforcement Network (nCEN) application in Jamaica with an nCEN Workshop in Kingston. Selected officers from the headquarters as well as airport and seaport units were trained on the functionality of the system.

During the eight-day training workshop the participants acquired practical knowledge on the functionality of the system, a theoretical background on data gathering and the analytical possibilities provided by the nCEN application. The workshop also touched upon the other WCO applications in the CEN suite, giving a valuable insight into the additional data mining capabilities provided by the global CEN database, or the information exchange potential of the CENcomm application.

The launch of the nCEN in Jamaica, financially supported by the UK Border Force, aims at providing Customs Administrations with the necessary hardware and software as well as related knowledge and skills to implement simplified and improved customs procedures with modern customs operational techniques.

The nCEN application consists of three independent databases (a seizure database, a suspect database, and a company database), as well as a communication component. The core database of national seizures and offences comprises data required for analysis, including means of conveyance, routes, and the possibility to view photos depicting exceptional concealment methods. Two supplementary databases contain information on suspected persons and offending business entities, facilitating a structured investigation process.

The nCEN software is a free application for all WCO Members. The costs of the hardware needed to run the nCEN application, the costs associated with the training, and possible costs for modifications to the local IT infrastructure (if applicable), are however the responsibility of the implementing Customs Administration. More information on the nCEN can be obtained by contacting the WCO CEN Program at nCEN@wcoomd.org.