CAREC Training Workshop on Time Release Study for Afghanistan and Pakistan Customs

Senior and mid-level customs officials from Afghanistan and Pakistan learned to organize and conduct time release studies (TRSs) during the 2-day workshop.

TRS is a World Customs Organization (WCO) methodology that provides a snapshot of the effectiveness of customs administrative procedures, allowing customs authorities to identify where the bottlenecks are and design reforms to address them.

TRS informs the design of investments at border-crossing points, helps interpret trade-related data compiled by national single-window facilities, and provides a useful point of reference in analyzing CAREC Corridor Performance Measurement and Monitoring data submissions and reports.

WCO training experts conducted

• a lecture on WCO TRS overview, guidelines, tools, and methodology;
• country presentations on national customs clearance operations and procedures;
• a discussion on TRS global experience and national best practices;
• briefings, practical exercises, and consultations on developing TRS questionnaires, work plans, and timetables; and
• a demonstration and hands-on training on WCO TRS software application.