Imagine the bustling ports of Bangladesh where every minute of delay translates to increased costs and reduced efficiency. How can this situation be transformed to achieve faster customs clearance? The Time Release Study (TRS) emerges as a crucial solution to this challenge. This article examines the collaboration between the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) and Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue (NBR) in implementing TRS as a strategic tool for optimizing customs processes.
Project Background and Objectives
From August 23-31, 2021, under the framework of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Mercator Programme, the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) – a partnership between the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and WCO – provided technical assistance on Time Release Study (TRS) to Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue (NBR). The initiative focused on three core objectives:
- Capacity building: Enhancing NBR's technical expertise to independently conduct and utilize TRS
- Team formation: Establishing a dedicated national TRS working team for implementation and analysis
- Problem solving: Addressing previously identified opportunity areas under Article 7.6 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA)
Strategic Dialogue and National Workshop
The technical assistance comprised two key components:
- A one-day strategic dialogue to clarify TRS implementation priorities
- A national workshop engaging both public and private sector stakeholders to raise awareness and share best practices
These sessions facilitated in-depth discussions between GTFP experts, NBR officials, and other stakeholders about TRS applications in Bangladesh's customs modernization efforts.
Implementation Roadmap and Process Optimization
The mission achieved significant outcomes, most notably the development of a comprehensive TRS implementation roadmap detailing stages from data collection to continuous improvement. WCO experts also assisted NBR in drafting internal import-export procedures emphasizing WCO TRS methodology for measuring release times.
This structured approach provides NBR with clear implementation guidance while optimized processes promise enhanced clearance efficiency and reduced trade costs.
Significance and Challenges of TRS
The initiative deepened stakeholders' understanding of TRS benefits as both an analytical tool and continuous improvement mechanism for identifying customs bottlenecks. However, challenges remain in data quality, stakeholder coordination, and technical capacity – requiring strengthened data management systems, communication frameworks, and skills development.
National TRS Working Team Structure
The establishment of a cross-functional TRS working team proves critical for successful implementation. Comprising representatives from customs, trade, and transport sectors, this team will assume five key responsibilities:
- Data collection and bottleneck analysis
- Process optimization implementation
- Stakeholder coordination
- Capacity building initiatives
- Continuous performance evaluation
Strategic Value of TRS Implementation
TRS adoption offers Bangladesh multiple strategic advantages:
- Enhanced trade competitiveness through reduced clearance times and costs
- Increased foreign investment attraction via efficient customs processes
- Improved business environment and international reputation
- Stronger regional economic integration
- Support for sustainable development through resource optimization
Conclusion and Recommendations
GTFP's technical assistance has established solid foundations for TRS implementation in Bangladesh. To maximize impact, NBR should prioritize:
- Robust data management systems
- Effective stakeholder communication channels
- Ongoing technical training programs
- Regular performance assessments
- International knowledge sharing partnerships
Through these measures, Bangladesh can fully leverage TRS as both a technical solution and strategic instrument for customs modernization and economic growth.