Under the sponsorship of the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF- Japan), the WCO organized a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop from 4 to 8 April 2016 in Port Louis, Mauritius. Approximately 50 participants attended the event which gathered different stakeholders involved in the clearance process of goods in Mauritius.

During the workshop, amongst others, it was highlighted that TRS is a key instrument to identify bottlenecks in the clearance process. The Study allows countries to measure relevant aspects of the effectiveness of operational procedures that are carried out by Customs and other regulatory actors in the processing of imports, exports and transit movements of goods.

Additionally, participants were informed on TRS objectives, challenges, opportunities and ways forward for Mauritius to conduct a TRS, with the involvement of Customs and other key stakeholders in the clearance process of goods in Mauritius.

In conclusion, participants made a strong recommendation to the Government of Mauritius to conduct a TRS as part of the trade facilitation measure in the country. An Action Plan was also drafted to ensure successful implementation of TRS.