Imagine a scenario where every step of cargo clearance—from port arrival to final release—is meticulously recorded, analyzed, and optimized to slash processing times and reduce trade costs. This is not a distant vision but a tangible reality being pursued by Trinidad and Tobago. Recently, with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the country successfully hosted a national workshop on Time Release Study (TRS), laying the groundwork for its Port Community System project.
WCO-Backed TRS Workshop Marks Milestone
From June 10 to 14, 2024, a pivotal workshop took place in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Led by the WCO and funded by the IDB, the event aimed to strengthen the country’s capacity to conduct TRS and establish baseline data for its upcoming Port Community System. Certified TRS technical and operational advisors from Brazil and Panama served as trainers, sharing hands-on expertise.
The workshop brought together 24 participants from Trinidad and Tobago’s Customs and Tax Administration, alongside public and private sector representatives. Through a blend of theoretical sessions and field visits, attendees gained a thorough understanding of TRS methodology and drafted an initial roadmap for its implementation.
Bridging Theory and Practice
To contextualize the learnings, participants visited the Port of Spain, the nation’s busiest harbor. The firsthand exposure to operational workflows underscored TRS’s role in identifying inefficiencies and streamlining processes.
TRS is a systematic approach to measure the actual time required for cargo clearance from border arrival to release. By analyzing data across each stage, it pinpoints bottlenecks and proposes corrective actions. Beyond enhancing Customs efficiency, TRS reduces trade costs and fosters economic growth.
Charting the Path Forward
During the workshop, attendees collaboratively designed a TRS implementation roadmap, scrutinizing existing procedures to identify optimization opportunities. The finalized plan was presented to senior officials from Trinidad and Tobago’s Customs and Tax Administration, the National Trade Facilitation Committee, and IDB representatives, who endorsed the initiative.
As a next step, Trinidad and Tobago plans to establish a national TRS working group to oversee data collection, analysis, and process improvements. The government views TRS as a catalyst for trade efficiency and economic development.
Global Implications of TRS
The WCO promotes TRS as a universal tool for trade facilitation. Its benefits include:
- Faster clearance: Eliminating procedural delays.
- Cost reduction: Lowering operational expenses for businesses.
- Enhanced Customs performance: Optimizing resource allocation.
- Economic growth: Stimulating investment through streamlined trade.
Synergy with Port Community Systems
Trinidad and Tobago’s TRS initiative aligns with its broader Port Community System project—a digital platform integrating stakeholders like Customs, shipping lines, and terminal operators. TRS data will refine the system’s workflows, creating a cohesive trade ecosystem.
By adopting TRS and modernizing port operations, Trinidad and Tobago demonstrates its commitment to trade facilitation—a model for other developing economies.