WCO support on implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in the Dominican Republic took another important step last week. A mission carried out from 6 to 10 August 2018 evaluated and found significant advances by Dominican Customs regarding trade facilitation measures.
The mission carried out last week continues the WCO support to the Dominican Republic that began in March 2017, when the first diagnostic mission took place. Less than a year and a half later, a team made up of the WCO Secretariat in Brussels and a WCO Mercator Programme Advisor (MPA) from the Brazilian Customs (RFB) evaluated the progress of the TFA implementation actions and its reflection on the strategic planning, projects and initiatives of the Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA).
From the 30 recommendations outlined in the 2017´s diagnostic report, it was verified now that 20 are already fully or partially implemented, 8 are ongoing and only 2 have not yet begun implementation. The result of this assessment demonstrates the DGA's commitment to reforms and modernization, and implementing the TFA measures. Advances in key areas such as risk management and publication of information were noteworthy for both the degree of change and significant work behind developments.
In addition to assessing the progress of the TFA implementation, the mission aimed at assisting the DGA in prioritizing its projects and strategic initiatives and to identify, along with the DGA, any areas in which there is a need or desire of the DGA to seek additional technical support from the WCO.
One of the topics where the technical support will be a priority in 2019 is the WCO Time Release Study. Another area where there is also great potential for progress is the implementation of the Single Window, which will allow greater involvement of the other Agencies that influence the time and costs of the export, import and transit processes. Both issues are to be dealt with under the Dominican Republic National Committee for Trade Facilitation framework, of which the DGA chairs.