WCO Time Release Study Regional Training Workshop on Trade Facilitation, Infrastructure and Trade Costs Policies in ESCWA Region 8-9 April 2013, Dubai 1 Outline What is a TRS Objectives TRS of a TRS Version 2 Study results Lessons learned Challenges Copyright © 2013 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. 2 What is the TRS? The WCO Time Release Study (TRS) is a unique tool and method for measuring relevant aspects of the effectiveness of operational procedures that are carried out by Customs, other regulatory actors and the business involved in the standard processing of imports, exports and in transit movements. It seeks to accurately measure these elements of trade flows so that related decisions to improve such performance can be well conceived and thereby carried out. Copyright © 2013 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. 3 Copyright © 2013 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. 4 WCO TRS Guide 1994 WCO TRS Handbook 2001 WCO TRS Guide 2005 WCO TRS Software 2011 WCO TRS Guide Version II 5 Copyright © 2013 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. Objectives of the TRS: a) Identifying bottlenecks in the international supply chain and/or constraints affecting Customs release b) Assessing newly introduced and modified techniques, procedures, technologies and infrastructure, or administrative changes c) Establishing baseline trade facilitation performance measurement d) Identifying opportunities for trade facilitation improvements e) Estimating the country’s approximate comparative position as a benchmark tool Copyright © 2013 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. 6 Image of the TRS Sea cargo & Air cargo Pre-arrival Arrival Lodgement of Vessels, Unloading Declaration Aircrafts Placing goods to Customs Area Intervention Trade related Agencies Registration Duty Payment Release Goods Declaration Examination Clearance Customs Procedures Port Authority Procedure Warehouse Procedure Trade Agency Intervention CY Procedure TOTAL TIME from Arrival to Release of Goods Copyright © 2011 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. Business 7 TRS Guide Version 2 as an affective support for Customs in the 21st Century Key Objective - To bring in line with the growing challenges : Coordinated Border Management Customs to Business Partnership Customs to Customs Cooperation Export Controls 8 Copyright © 2013 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. Structure of the TRS Guide Version 2 1. Introduction 2. Background 3. General Purpose and Scope 4. Possible Specific Uses for the Study Results 5. Outline of the TRS 6. Challenges and Opportunities Appendices: 1. The Working Group 2. Simplified Survey Questionnaire Form 3. Detailed Survey Questionnaire Form 4. A Basic Guide to the Use of the WCO TRS Online Software 5. Model Final Report Format 6. Model Press Release 7. The TRS in Exportation 8. National Practices 9 Copyright © 2013 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. TRS Process in General Phase 1: Preparation of the Study Establishment of a TRS Working Group Determination of scope and design of the study Planning and detailed methodology Detailed Drawing plan Sampling Developing a survey questionnaire form Test-Run Phase 2: Collection & Recording of Data Phase 3: Analysis of the Data & Conclusions Analysis of the results of TRS and formulations of action plan Finalizing TRS report and Press Release Copyright © 2013 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. 10 Study Results Will assist administrations to : Identify the constraints affecting customs/other agencies clearance Consider corrective actions Identify areas requiring simplification in procedures Establish Client Charters/Customs standards Copyright © 2013 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. 11 Possible Outcomes Restructuring within the Administration Draft or modify Customs or related Legislation Simplify Customs procedures Automate Customs procedures Simplify other related procedures Reallocate resources Support requests for resources Initiate measures to improve enforcement or detection Resolve matters with other Agencies/Partners involved in the clearance of goods Provide basis for Single Window/Integrated Border Management Copyright © 2013 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. 12 Lessons Learned (1/2) The WCO has been involved in several TRS The methodology is easy to use, is suitable to all modes of traffic No special training is needed (except for need of a statistician) Analysis of data easily leads to development of action plans Effective tool for measuring consequences of policy/procedural change Copyright © 2013 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. 13 Lessons Learned (2/2) Release times have actually reduced To be effective, TRS must include all stakeholders To be effective TRS must have strong management commitment and supervision TRS can be conducted without the need of outside resources TRS is relatively inexpensive to conduct Copyright © 2013 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. 14 Challenges Real management commitment (Dedicated team – mgt understanding of time commitment) Commitment of other agencies Commitment of private sector stakeholders Commitment of staff Honesty in reporting and physical layout of facility Public relations Copyright © 2013 World Customs Organization. All rights reserved. 15 Thank you for your kind attention For more information, please visit the WCO Web site: www.wcoomd.org Milena Budimirović Technical Officer Compliance and Facilitation Directorate World Customs Organization (WCO) milena.budimirovic@wcoomd.org WCO, Brussels 16