The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has created a national working group that will embark on a Time Release Study (TRS) that will ascertain the effectiveness and the efficiency of border procedures relating to imports, exports and goods in transit.

Members of the working group that will participate in the study include the Port Authority of Jamaica, Airport Authority, Kingston Wharves, Kingston Freeport Terminal, among other organisations involved in the trade facilitation process. As part of the study, they will measure the average time it takes for the clearance of goods in Jamaica.

“The initiative is consistent with Jamaica’s accession to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonisation of Customs Procedures — Revised Kyoto Conventions,” Deputy CEO (operations) Marlon Lowe explained.

The study will follow the World Customs Organization’s TRS methodology as will allow all stakeholders to participate in evidence-based discussions on how to address bottlenecks as well as improve the effectiveness and efficiency of border procedures. The TRS is also a vital tool for strategic planning and the implementation of the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.

As such, Lowe pointed out that in addition the impact the TRS will have on the operations of the JCA, it will also affect trade and commerce within Jamaica’s borders.

“The study will affect the movement of people, goods, and the means of transport, especially as we see an increase in trade volumes,” he stated.

The JCA conducted its last TRS in 2009 with a view to identify bottlenecks in the international supply chain and/or constraints affecting Customs release. Among other things, the study aimed at assessing newly introduced and modified techniques, procedures, technologies and infrastructure, or administrative changes; and identify opportunities for trade facilitation improvements.

At the time, the TRS found that the release of imports did not measure up to international standards, taking an average of eight days. However, the time taken to process exports — from one day to a maximum two days — more favourably aligned with international standards.

At the launch of the working group on July 7 at the JCA Commissioner’s Conference Room, Director of Research and Planning noted that the TRS will contribute significantly to improving customs processes across Jamaica.

“This study will allow us [Jamaica Customs] to diagnose specific Customs procedures, improve compliance and enforcement, and drive additional automation processes within Customs,” he outlined.

He also called for participants to ensure that their systems are rid of bureaucracy and offers greater efficiency to Jamaicans.