If trade were the circulatory system of an economy, then goods release speed would serve as its vital sign. Recognizing this metric's importance, Bolivia has taken significant steps to enhance its trade efficiency and fulfill commitments under the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) conducted follow-up technical guidance from April 17-21, 2023, to assist Bolivia in implementing and pilot testing its Time Release Study (TRS) - a crucial tool for measuring border clearance efficiency.
Implementation Process and Technical Support
This mission built upon previous hybrid assistance, where GTFP had remotely assessed Bolivia's TRS progress and provided recommendations for improving data collection instruments. During the five-day in-country mission, World Customs Organization (WCO) experts guided Bolivia's TRS working group through multiple critical phases:
- Final questionnaire review and refinement
- Pilot testing execution
- Results analysis using WCO's TRS methodology
The WCO's TRS guidelines, now available in Spanish and Russian, provided essential methodological support for the initiative. By mission's conclusion, the team had developed optimization recommendations and established a clear roadmap for completing the TRS by mid-2023.
The Strategic Value of Time Release Studies
TRS serves as a diagnostic tool measuring the duration between goods arrival at borders and their final release. Through systematic data collection and analysis, the study:
- Identifies operational bottlenecks in clearance processes
- Provides evidence-based recommendations for process improvement
- Reduces trade costs while enhancing national competitiveness
For Bolivia, successful TRS implementation carries multiple benefits. Beyond demonstrating compliance with WTO TFA Article 7.6 (which mandates measurement and publication of average release times), the study will:
- Strengthen Bolivia's international trade reputation
- Reduce operational costs for businesses through faster clearance
- Potentially attract foreign investment through improved trade flows
Overcoming Implementation Challenges
The TRS process presents several operational challenges, particularly regarding data accuracy and interagency coordination. Bolivia's customs administration has addressed these through:
- Enhanced cross-departmental collaboration mechanisms
- Specialized training for TRS working group members
- Adaptation of international best practices to local contexts
With TRS implementation scheduled for 2023, Bolivia anticipates measurable improvements in trade facilitation that will contribute to broader economic development objectives. The initiative's success will depend on sustained interagency cooperation and continuous methodological refinement.