Imagine a cargo ship arriving at a Sudanese port. How long does it take from unloading to final delivery? This timeframe directly impacts business operational costs and a nation's trade competitiveness. To enhance customs clearance efficiency and optimize the trade environment, Sudan Customs partnered with the World Customs Organization (WCO) in 2015 to launch a critical initiative—the National Time Release Study (TRS).
I. Project Background: The Urgent Need for Trade Facilitation
In today's globalized economy, trade facilitation has become essential for enhancing competitiveness. The time required for cargo release serves as a key indicator of trade facilitation effectiveness. Efficient customs procedures reduce operational costs, shorten supply chain cycles, and boost economic productivity. Conversely, cumbersome clearance processes burden businesses and hinder international trade.
As a developing nation, Sudan faces pressing needs to improve trade efficiency, attract foreign investment, and stimulate economic growth. The TRS initiative represents a strategic effort to identify bottlenecks and streamline customs procedures.
II. TRS: A Powerful Tool for Customs Optimization
Developed by the WCO, the Time Release Study serves as a diagnostic tool measuring the actual duration from cargo arrival at borders to final release. By collecting and analyzing data from all clearance stages, TRS identifies delays and inefficiencies, providing actionable insights for customs authorities and related agencies.
The study examines not just customs operations but all government agencies and private sector participants involved in cargo clearance, emphasizing the importance of coordinated action. This comprehensive approach enables targeted improvements across the entire clearance process.
III. Sudan TRS Workshop: Building Consensus and Action Plans
To launch the national TRS, Sudan Customs and WCO jointly organized a workshop in Khartoum from February 22-26, 2015. Sponsored by the WCO Eurocustoms Fund, the event brought together over 20 representatives from Sudanese customs, government agencies, customs brokers, and private businesses. WCO deployed two technical experts, including a TRS specialist from the Kenya Revenue Authority.
Mr. Abdelhafiez Salih ALI, Sudan Customs' Director of Compliance and Facilitation, highlighted recent reforms including electronic systems implementation, customs law modernization, and the introduction of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. He stressed the importance of stakeholder partnerships in achieving these milestones.
Participants developed a comprehensive action roadmap during the workshop's final day, outlining activities to ensure successful TRS implementation within subsequent months.
IV. Key Workshop Discussions and Outcomes
The workshop focused on four critical areas:
- TRS Methodology: WCO experts detailed study procedures including data collection, analysis, bottleneck identification, and improvement strategies.
- Current Clearance Process Analysis: Participants identified existing bottlenecks in documentation submission, inspections, and duty payments.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Emphasis was placed on enhancing coordination between customs, government agencies, brokers, and private sector participants.
- Action Plan Development: The finalized roadmap assigned clear responsibilities and timelines for TRS implementation phases.
V. Sudan's Customs Modernization: Laying the TRS Foundation
Mr. ALI outlined three key reforms supporting TRS implementation:
- Electronic Systems: Digital platforms enable online document submission, automated inspection directives, and electronic payments to reduce processing times.
- Legal Framework Updates: Revised customs laws prioritize trade facilitation through simplified procedures and increased transparency.
- AEO Program: The certified operator initiative incentivizes compliance, reducing inspection rates for qualified businesses.
VI. Expected TRS Benefits
The national TRS is projected to deliver significant improvements:
- Precise identification of clearance bottlenecks
- Optimized documentation and inspection processes
- Reduced business operational costs
- Enhanced international trade competitiveness
- Strengthened inter-agency cooperation
VII. Conclusion: Advancing Trade Facilitation
Sudan's TRS initiative marks a significant commitment to trade modernization. By systematically analyzing and improving clearance procedures, Sudan aims to reduce business costs, attract investment, and strengthen economic growth. This project may serve as a valuable model for other developing nations pursuing similar reforms.