Imagine a cargo ship arriving at port—how long does it take from unloading to final delivery? This process not only impacts logistics efficiency but directly affects a nation's trade competitiveness. For Cape Verde, an island nation in the central Atlantic, improving trade facilitation and optimizing customs procedures is crucial. With support from the World Customs Organization's (WCO) WACAM program, Cape Verde Customs (CVCA) is preparing its first-ever Time Release Study (TRS) to identify bottlenecks in cargo clearance and implement targeted improvements.
Strategic Importance of the WCO-WACAM Project
Funded by the Swedish government, the WCO-WACAM program provides technical assistance, training, and knowledge sharing to enhance customs modernization and trade facilitation in West and Central Africa. Cape Verde's participation demonstrates its commitment to strengthening customs capabilities and integrating into global trade systems.
Time Release Study: A Diagnostic Tool for Customs Efficiency
The TRS methodology, developed by WCO, measures the actual time required for cargo clearance from border arrival to final release. By systematically collecting and analyzing data, TRS identifies inefficiencies across the entire supply chain—not just within customs operations but also involving other government agencies and private sector stakeholders.
WCO Experts Support Cape Verde's TRS Preparation
From September 28 to October 2, 2015, WCO conducted a Portuguese-language TRS workshop in Praia, attended by customs officials and other stakeholders involved in national clearance processes. Experts detailed TRS methodology while analyzing Cape Verde's specific procedures, particularly cargo scanning and customs documentation review. Participants gained comprehensive understanding of both TRS implementation and national clearance workflows.
Public-Private Action Plan for Enhanced Efficiency
A key workshop outcome was developing an action plan for conducting TRS at Praia port. The plan emphasizes public-private collaboration in data collection and analysis to ensure accurate, representative results. This cooperative approach helps address diverse stakeholder needs when designing improvement measures.
Alignment With WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement
The TRS initiative supports Cape Verde's implementation of WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which promotes simplified procedures, transparency, and cooperation to reduce trade costs. Article 7.6 specifically encourages members to conduct release time studies. TRS results will provide evidence-based guidance for Cape Verde's trade facilitation reforms.
National Trade Facilitation Committee Established
In July 2015, WACAM supported creation of Cape Verde's National Trade Facilitation Committee (NCTF), comprising government, private sector, and academic representatives. This coordinating body ensures TRS findings translate into concrete policies and provides institutional support for ongoing reforms.
Expected Outcomes and Long-Term Impact
Cape Verde's inaugural TRS is projected to deliver:
- Identification of clearance bottlenecks in documentation, inspections, and port operations
- Customs process optimization through simplified requirements and digital solutions
- Improved interagency coordination between customs, port authorities, and inspection agencies
- Enhanced public-private cooperation in addressing clearance challenges
- Increased trade competitiveness through reduced clearance times and costs
Long-term benefits include establishing an efficient, transparent customs system that improves Cape Verde's business environment while offering a development model for other nations.