The WCO initiated the remote assistance to support the Customs Administration of Bolivia enhancing its Time Release Study (TRS) capacities. From 24 to 27 August, the online sessions, part of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) work plan with Bolivia, counted with the participation of middle management officers and tactical and operational staff involved in the clearance of goods at the main ports of entry in Bolivia.
Throughout the week, the WCO experts transferred their knowledge on the WCO TRS Guide, providing participants with a thorough overview on the TRS methodology, benefits and the Customs business processes and capabilities needed for proper TRS implementation. In addition, the Bolivian officers had the opportunity to share the current business procedures in TRS matters within the Customs Administration, as well as challenges, objectives and possible ways forward for Bolivia to conduct a TRS.
At the end of the week, the participants from the Customs Administration of Bolivia increased their knowledge and understanding on the WCO TRS methodology and expressed their desire to obtain the national Customs approval for a Customs TRS Working Group to be established within the Administration in order to carry out the first TRS. Additionally, they developed and presented a preliminary version of a roadmap to conduct a TRS, indicating possible actions relevant for supporting the implementation of the upcoming TRS in Bolivia.
The assistance provided is in line with recommendations previously made to the Bolivian Customs Administration and it fits into the GTFP’s overall objective to support Bolivia in achieving better and more efficient customs procedures and increasing WTO TFA compliance.
For more information on the GTFP please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org