25 April 2025

TRIAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRUSTED TRADER PROGRAM (TTP)

The PNG Customs Service and EastWest Transport (EWT) have signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) for the trial implementation of the Trusted Trader Program (TTP) marking a significant step towards securing, streamlining and facilitating legitimate trade in PNG.

The MOI was signed at the PNG Customs Headquarters at Waigani last week by Customs Chief Commissioner David Towe and EWT General Manager Nicholas Bury, enabling EWT to become the third freight forwarder to participate in the program in PNG.

The TTP, also known as the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, has become a flagship Customs-Business partnership in many countries around the world and is a key initiative under the World Customs Organization's (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards, which outlines standards for securing and facilitating global trade.

Under the program, businesses become recognized as trusted traders by Customs administrations around the world after meeting specific security and compliance standards. Trusted traders typically receive benefits like expedited Customs clearance, reduced inspections and other preferential treatment.

"This program is designed to optimize trade security while allowing for seamless movement of goods across borders, thereby minimizing Customs intervention," Chief Commissioner David Towe stated. "Increased Customs intervention at the border raises the cost of doing business, thus, this program aims to secure trade, reduce Customs intervention, and lower business costs.

"Given the rising cost of goods and services, Customs is seeking ways to alleviate such burdens," the Chief Commissioner added.

The Chief Commissioner said EWT is the third freight forwarder in PNG to participate in the trial program highlighting the importance of public-private partnership in streamlining trade processes. The other two freight forwarders are Express Freight Management and Lae Inland Logistics.

"The journey began in October of 2023 when EWT expressed its' interest in joining the program," Customs Assistant Commissioner Compliance and Procedures Roselyn Tei stated. "Following the request, PNG Customs conducted multiple internal compliance assessments and site validations to ensure EWT's security standards were in compliance with the WCO's SAFE Framework of Standards."

"We appreciate EWT's commitment and the efforts and resources put together to meet our requests and security requirements," the Assistant Commissioner added.

EWT General Manager Nicholas Bury expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the trial program and emphasized the importance of collaboration between businesses and Government.

"While working in PNG over the years I have witnessed increased engagement with the Customs team and everything said here today has resonated with me," Mr. Bury said. "We are strong believers in working together to deliver efficient and cost-effective services to PNG companies and consumers."

He added that EWT has made significant investments to align with the program's requirements and is committed to passing on the resulting cost savings to the end consumer.

"In a time of increasing cost, programs like this will make a huge difference", he said.

EWT and PNG Customs are eager to continue working together as Customs progress and finalize the legal framework of this program.

Following the engagement of the third freight forwarder under the TTP program, the next plan for PNG Customs is to bring onboard importers and exporters.

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