Customs efficiency serves as a critical component in the smooth operation of global trade. Prolonged cargo clearance times not only increase operational costs for businesses but also hinder the healthy development of international commerce. The World Customs Organization (WCO) is addressing this challenge through its Time Release Study (TRS) initiative, recently advancing this effort through a specialized regional workshop in Xiamen.
Regional Workshop for TRS Certification
Held from March 11-15, 2019 at the WCO Regional Training Center in Xiamen and sponsored by the China Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF-China), the workshop aimed to expand WCO's pool of TRS experts to better support member customs administrations. Participants included customs officials from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Workshop Curriculum and Objectives
The comprehensive program covered:
- TRS organizational framework and methodology
- Implementation challenges and mitigation strategies
- Opportunities for process improvement
- Advanced communication techniques for engaging senior customs leadership
WCO experts from both the Secretariat and China Customs delivered detailed instruction, equipping participants to:
- Apply TRS concepts and methodologies effectively
- Navigate implementation challenges
- Translate findings into operational improvements
- Communicate effectively with senior customs officials
Certification Process and Evaluation
Ten Asia-Pacific customs officials underwent rigorous assessment based on:
- Strategic application of WCO tools and instruments
- Technical proficiency in TRS methodology
- Capacity to support member administrations in TRS implementation
- Ability to engage senior leadership in substantive dialogue
TRS Methodology and Implementation
The WCO's TRS framework systematically evaluates the time required for cargo release from border arrival through clearance, identifying bottlenecks and recommending process improvements. Implementation follows six key stages:
- Scope Definition: Establishing study parameters and objectives
- Data Collection: Gathering clearance timing data across all process stages
- Analysis: Identifying systemic inefficiencies and bottlenecks
- Recommendations: Developing targeted improvement proposals
- Implementation: Executing approved process enhancements
- Evaluation: Measuring impact and refining approaches
Operational Benefits
TRS implementation delivers measurable advantages:
- Enhanced clearance efficiency through bottleneck reduction
- Reduced operational costs for trade stakeholders
- Improved trade facilitation and investment attractiveness
- Strengthened interagency cooperation and communication
- Increased national competitiveness in global trade
Workshop Outcomes and Future Development
Several participants successfully completed the initial certification phase, demonstrating potential to serve as Technical Operational Advisors (TOAs) for future WCO TRS missions. These candidates may progress to full TOA certification following additional field experience.
The workshop represents a strategic investment in building regional TRS capacity while establishing a foundation for global methodology expansion. The WCO continues to refine TRS tools and approaches to accommodate diverse operational environments, contributing to more efficient international trade systems worldwide.