Imagine a cargo ship arriving in the Bahamas loaded with goods. How long does it take from unloading to final delivery to businesses? This timeframe directly impacts operational costs, efficiency, and even a nation's trade competitiveness. To enhance customs efficiency, Bahamas Customs and Excise Department (BCED) is taking proactive measures with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Recently, the WCO signed a new agreement with BCED and conducted a national workshop on "Time Release Study" (TRS) from April 9-13 in Nassau. This marks a significant milestone in the Bahamas' trade facilitation journey.
Understanding Time Release Study and Its Importance
TRS is essentially a tool to measure the duration from when goods arrive at customs until their final release. By meticulously recording and analyzing each procedural step, authorities can identify bottlenecks and implement targeted improvements. TRS isn't theoretical—it's an actionable roadmap for operational enhancement.
The significance of TRS manifests in several key areas:
- Enhanced customs efficiency and reduced trade costs: Faster clearance means lower storage fees, reduced demurrage charges, and quicker capital turnover—critical benefits for businesses.
- Optimized customs procedures and improved management: TRS helps identify procedural gaps, enabling process optimization, increased efficiency, reduced manual intervention, and greater transparency.
- Trade facilitation and improved business environment: An efficient, transparent customs system attracts investment and trade while boosting national competitiveness.
- International compliance and standards alignment: TRS is encouraged under WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), helping the Bahamas meet international obligations.
WCO's Comprehensive Support: From Gap Analysis to Implementation
In March 2018, the WCO conducted a WTO TFA gap analysis for the Bahamas, identifying areas needing improvement in trade facilitation. The resulting report recommended TRS implementation to support the third objective of the Bahamas' trade sector support program—strengthening customs modernization and institutional trade platforms, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The Nassau workshop provided hands-on training for 25 customs officials and stakeholders, covering:
- Detailed TRS methodology based on WCO guidelines
- Practical demonstrations of TRS software for data collection and analysis
- Development of a concrete TRS action plan with defined timelines and responsibilities
Under the draft plan, BCED aims to conduct its first TRS by year-end 2018, establishing a baseline for future progress assessment.
Bahamas Customs' Commitment to Trade Transformation
BCED Comptroller Geannine Moss emphasized TRS's critical role in her closing remarks, stating it would help identify procedural bottlenecks affecting cargo release while fostering collaborative solutions to improve trade and business environments—demonstrating the department's strong commitment to reform.
WTO Accession Catalyst: Aligning With Global Standards
As the Bahamas pursues WTO membership, TRS implementation helps comply with WTO TFA Article 7.6, encouraging members to regularly measure and publish average release times using WCO-approved tools. This represents both an operational upgrade and strategic alignment with international trade systems.
Implementation Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Approach
The TRS process involves multiple phases:
- Scope and objective definition: Selecting target ports, goods categories, and processes while setting measurable goals.
- Cross-functional team formation: Assembling representatives from customs, ports, logistics, and trade sectors.
- Data collection framework: Determining key metrics (arrival, declaration, inspection, release times) and collection methods.
- Analysis and bottleneck identification: Pinpointing inefficiencies like complex paperwork or inspection delays.
- Solution development and implementation: Creating targeted improvements such as process simplification.
- Continuous improvement cycles: Regular reassessment to maintain progress.
Global Success Stories and Future Directions
Countries like Kenya (50%+ clearance time reduction) and Uganda (increased customs revenue) demonstrate TRS's transformative potential. Emerging technologies—IoT for real-time cargo tracking, AI for risk assessment, and big data for clearance forecasting—promise even greater future advancements.
With WCO's ongoing support, the Bahamas is positioned to significantly enhance its trade infrastructure, creating new economic opportunities through modernized customs operations.