A study has been launched to assess the time taken at each stage of processing imported goods, from their arrival in the Maldives to the completion of the documentation and final release.
The Time-Release Study is being conducted in collaboration with World Customs Organisation experts in accordance with the standards of the World Customs Organisation.
Data collection for the study will run from 23 November to 27 November. Alongside Maldives Customs Service, port operators, relevant government agencies engaged in import and export procedures, as well as customs brokers are involved in the process.
The study will measure key components of the clearance process including:
- the time taken to unload cargo upon arrival,
- the time taken to submit documentation,
- the duration needed to process and complete the paperwork,
- the time taken by state authorities to make determinations on the goods,
- the time required for customs inspections, and
- the time taken to release goods from the port.
The purpose of the study is to help businesses better estimate clearance and release times for imported goods, while identifying areas for improvement across customs, ports and agencies involved in import and export procedures. The findings will also enable the comparison of current performance with data from the Time Release Study conducted in 2021 and assess progress.