WCO Assessment Enhances Zambias Trade Facilitation Efforts

WCO Assessment Enhances Zambias Trade Facilitation Efforts

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a trade facilitation capacity assessment in Zambia, focusing on time release studies, coordinated border management, data harmonization, and single window development. The assessment provided specific recommendations aimed at enhancing internal capabilities within the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and establishing a timeline for implementing the time release study. This supports Zambia's trade facilitation reforms by identifying areas for improvement and offering a roadmap for achieving greater efficiency in customs procedures and border management.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade with WCO Efficiency Study

Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade with WCO Efficiency Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Vanuatu Customs in implementing a Time Release Study (TRS) aimed at identifying and addressing bottlenecks in goods release, thereby enhancing customs efficiency. Through the TRS, Vanuatu aims to streamline processes, optimize management, and ultimately promote trade facilitation, improve the business environment, and achieve sustainable economic development. The study will help pinpoint specific areas for improvement, leading to more efficient customs procedures and reduced delays for traders. This initiative underscores the WCO's commitment to assisting member states in modernizing their customs operations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Shipping Guide Cargo Release and Risk Management

Global Shipping Guide Cargo Release and Risk Management

This paper delves into four common methods of cargo release in international ocean freight: Telex Release, Ocean Bill of Lading, Sea Waybill, and Destination Release. It compares and analyzes their advantages, disadvantages, applicable scenarios, and risk levels. The study emphasizes that when selecting a release method, factors such as the trust level between buyer and seller, payment status, cargo value, and time constraints must be comprehensively considered. The goal is to achieve a balance between risk control and efficiency improvement in international logistics operations.

02/05/2024 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Bangladesh Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Talks

Bangladesh Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Talks

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), jointly initiated by the World Customs Organization and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, has launched a specific assistance program for Bangladesh. This program aims to help Bangladesh Customs optimize goods release processes and improve trade efficiency. In-depth strategic dialogues were held on the issue of Time Release Study (TRS), and a comprehensive TRS work plan was developed to ensure the sustainability of goods release times and strengthen the autonomy of Bangladesh Customs.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Enhanced Trade Efficiency Training Course

WCO Launches Enhanced Trade Efficiency Training Course

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an upgraded Time Release Study (TRS) CLiKC! course, designed to help customs administrations measure cargo release times, optimize processes, and improve efficiency. The course covers all phases of the TRS methodology, emphasizing practical application through case studies, exercises, and role-playing to enhance participants' skills. This initiative supports trade facilitation and benefits the global economy. WCO members can access the course for free on the CLiKC! platform. It aims to enhance customs efficiency and reduce release times for goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Study Shows Faster Customs Clearance Boosts Global Trade

WCO Study Shows Faster Customs Clearance Boosts Global Trade

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Time Release Study (TRS) aims to help customs administrations identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and improve trade facilitation by quantifying the time taken for goods to clear customs. This article uses the TRS workshop in Kyrgyzstan as an example to detail the implementation steps, benefits, and challenges of TRS. It also looks at future developments, emphasizing that TRS is a key tool for improving customs efficiency and promoting global trade. The study provides valuable insights for countries seeking to enhance their customs procedures and facilitate international commerce.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Liberia in Trade Efficiency Study

WCO Aids Liberia in Trade Efficiency Study

The WCO is supporting Liberia Customs in a Time Release Study (TRS) project aimed at improving efficiency and facilitating trade. The project focuses on analyzing and streamlining cargo release processes to reduce delays and enhance overall customs operations. Capacity building initiatives are also included to ensure the sustainability of improvements. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, contributing to a more efficient and effective customs environment in Liberia.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

Bolivia Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted an online Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for Bolivian Customs, aiming to enhance trade facilitation in Bolivia. By reviewing processes, optimizing questionnaires, and preparing pilot projects, Bolivian Customs is ready for TRS implementation. The goal is to reduce goods release times, lower costs for businesses, improve the investment climate, and enhance national competitiveness. The TRS will help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the customs clearance process, leading to targeted reforms and improvements.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Cape Verde in Landmark Customs Efficiency Study

WCO Backs Cape Verde in Landmark Customs Efficiency Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, supported the Cape Verde Customs Administration (CVCA) in conducting its first Time Release Study (TRS) to improve clearance efficiency and optimize trade processes. The workshop brought together stakeholders to develop an action plan, assisting Cape Verde in fulfilling the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement, improving the business environment, and promoting economic development. The TRS aims to identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements to streamline customs procedures and reduce release times.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Enhances Border Efficiency with WCO Study at Mamuno

Botswana Enhances Border Efficiency with WCO Study at Mamuno

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Botswana in conducting a Time Release Study at the Mamuno border post to establish a One-Stop Border Post and enhance trade facilitation. Through data collection and analysis, bottlenecks are identified and processes optimized, injecting new vitality into Botswana's economic development. This initiative not only improves efficiency but also promotes international cooperation, setting a precedent for trade facilitation in Africa. The study aims to streamline border procedures and boost economic growth.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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