The effectiveness of trade facilitation reforms ultimately manifests in improved cross-border trade efficiency. For Zambia, identifying precise bottlenecks in trade facilitation and developing targeted solutions has become a priority in its economic development strategy.
In response to Zambia's needs and to further implement the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a comprehensive capacity assessment mission in Lusaka from September 17-21, 2018. This mission, funded by the UK's HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) through the HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD TFA Implementation Programme, followed a Mercator Programme scoping mission completed by WCO in August 2018.
The assessment focused on critical TFA areas including: Time Release Study (TRS), Coordinated Border Management (CBM), data harmonization, and Single Window implementation. The mission aimed to support the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in evaluating its readiness to conduct TRS while improving border control efficiency.
Comprehensive Evaluation Approach
The WCO expert team conducted extensive consultations with customs officials, border agency representatives, and private sector stakeholders to thoroughly assess Zambia's current status and needs in these key areas. Special attention was given to ZRA's implementation of ASYCUDA World system, which provides growing Single Window functionality including integrated modules for licenses, permits, and valuation.
These discussions sought to build broader support for TRS implementation and facilitate in-depth dialogue about Zambia's current and future strategies for CBM, data harmonization, and Single Window development.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The assessment yielded targeted recommendations to enhance ZRA's institutional capacity across several critical dimensions:
Time Release Study (TRS) Capacity Building
- Current Status: ZRA requires improvement in understanding and applying TRS methodology, lacking systematic data collection and analysis mechanisms to accurately assess cargo release times.
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Recommendations:
- Conduct specialized TRS methodology training for ZRA officials
- Establish standardized data collection and analysis procedures
- Develop TRS data analysis tools to enhance reporting quality
- Strengthen private sector collaboration for comprehensive data collection
Coordinated Border Management (CBM)
- Current Status: While progress exists, inter-agency coordination mechanisms remain underdeveloped with limited information sharing and joint operations.
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Recommendations:
- Establish high-level CBM committee to coordinate border agencies
- Develop CBM action plans with clear institutional responsibilities
- Implement information sharing platforms for data interoperability
- Conduct regular joint CBM exercises
Data Harmonization
- Current Status: Inconsistent data standards across border agencies create data exchange challenges, hampering border management efficiency.
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Recommendations:
- Develop unified data standards including formats, codes and definitions
- Establish data harmonization oversight committee
- Create data conversion tools for cross-system compatibility
- Implement robust data quality management protocols
Single Window Development
- Current Status: ASYCUDA World system shows promising Single Window functionality but requires expanded coverage and improved user experience.
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Recommendations:
- Expand ASYCUDA World's functionality to incorporate more border processes
- Enhance user interface design and experience
- Strengthen system integration with other border agency platforms
- Implement comprehensive user training programs
Implementation Roadmap
The WCO team collaborated with Zambia's National Trade Facilitation Committee to establish a concrete TRS implementation timeline. Under the Mercator Programme framework, WCO anticipates continued partnership with ZRA to advance Zambia's trade facilitation agenda.
This comprehensive assessment provides Zambia with critical insights to enhance its trade facilitation capabilities. By addressing these key areas—TRS methodology, border coordination, data standardization, and Single Window development—Zambia can systematically improve its trade efficiency and economic competitiveness.