A Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Regional Workshop concerning the preparations to conduct a Time Release Study (TRS) along the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) was held in South Africa from 13 to 17 July 2015. The event benefited representatives of the SACU Member States' Customs Administrations as well as stakeholders involved in regional clearance processes.
TRS is essential for trade in the TKC in order to reduce release time as outlined in the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Topics covered in the workshop included TRS methodology, the importance of drafting a process map and the exchange of regional and country specific experiences on TRS. During the workshop, Customs officers of the SACU Member States were also trained on the usage of the WCO TRS Software. Participants jointly drafted an Action Plan, which will guide the preparation and successful execution of TRS, covering the TKC route. It is anticipated that the TRS will be conducted from January 2016 to March 2016.