Imagine a future where goods clear customs with lightning speed, where businesses operate with reduced costs, and where Peruvian products gain enhanced global competitiveness. This vision is becoming reality as Peru's National Superintendence of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT) collaborates with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to implement the Time Release Study (TRS) methodology.
SUNAT: Driving Peru's Economic Growth Through Trade Facilitation
As Peru's principal revenue collection agency, SUNAT plays a pivotal role in the nation's economic development. Beyond tax administration, the organization is committed to streamlining trade processes to boost national competitiveness. Recognizing that efficient customs clearance attracts investment and stimulates exports, SUNAT has prioritized international cooperation to adopt global best practices.
WCO: Setting Global Standards for Customs Excellence
The World Customs Organization, representing 184 members accounting for 98% of global trade, serves as the premier international body for customs standards and procedures. Its Time Release Study initiative provides member states with a diagnostic tool to evaluate clearance efficiency, identify bottlenecks, and implement targeted improvements.
The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Program
This collaboration operates under the framework of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP), a joint initiative between WCO and Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. The program assists developing nations in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement through technical assistance and capacity building.
National TRS Workshop: Customized Capacity Building
From November 14-18, 2022, WCO conducted a specialized workshop to equip SUNAT officials with TRS implementation capabilities. The training focused on developing independent research capacity while fostering collaboration with trade stakeholders.
TRS Methodology: A Diagnostic Tool for Trade Efficiency
The Time Release Study systematically measures the duration between goods arrival and final release, identifying:
- Precise clearance time metrics for process optimization
- Critical bottlenecks causing procedural delays
- Impact assessment of reform measures
- Transparency mechanisms to build trade sector confidence
Workshop Outcomes: Collaborative Action Plan
The event brought together over 20 participants from customs, import/export firms, logistics providers, and port operators. Key achievements included:
- Development of three transport-mode-specific import process maps
- Creation of a detailed 2023 implementation roadmap
- Hands-on training with WCO's TRS analytical software
WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Compliance
TRS implementation enables Peru to fulfill Article 7.6 of the WTO TFA, which requires publication of average goods release times and measures to reduce clearance durations. Compliance strengthens Peru's international trade profile while reducing commercial costs.
Future Outlook: Enhanced Economic Competitiveness
Successful TRS adoption promises significant benefits for Peru's economy:
- Increased foreign direct investment attraction
- Expanded export market opportunities
- Reduced trade operation expenditures
- Strengthened regional economic integration
SUNAT's commitment to continuous process improvement through international cooperation positions Peru as a leader in Latin American trade facilitation. The organization's strategic focus on transparency, efficiency, and stakeholder collaboration establishes a framework for sustainable economic growth.