Maldives Customs Service, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme (ATFP), has officially commenced data collection for the second Time Release Study (TRS), following its formal launch on 18 November 2025 by the Minister of State for Economic Development and Trade, Mr. Abdulla Siyaz.
The TRS implementation is being supported by a distinguished delegation from the WCO, including ATFP Country and Project Lead Mr. Arman Zhalitov, along with TRS technical experts Mr. Christian David and Mr. Michael Lekala. Their participation highlights the strong international partnership driving this national trade facilitation effort.
Meeting International Standards
This initiative is being conducted in accordance with Article 7.6 of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA), which requires member states to establish and publish average release times of goods. By undertaking this systematic exercise, Maldives reaffirms its commitment to transparency and efficiency in trade procedures and alignment with global trade facilitation standards.
The Time Release Study 2025 aims to enhance trade efficiency by measuring and publishing the average time taken for goods to move through Maldivian borders.
Through detailed process mapping and analysis, the study will pinpoint bottlenecks and inefficiencies that prolong cargo clearance and increase costs for traders. These findings will guide Customs and other border agencies in refining workflows, eliminating non-value-adding steps, and improving service delivery across the clearance chain.
Implementation and Expected Impact
Over the past week, a series of intensive workshops were held with the working group, which includes TRS experts, Maldives Customs Service, Ministry of Economic Development & Trade, Maldives Food and Drug Authority, Maldives Ports Limited, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, brokers and other relevant border agencies to identify key performance indicators and map current procedures. Data collection commenced on 23rd November and will continue till 27th November, capturing real shipment movements to measure the time taken at each stage of the clearance process.
The resulting insights will help shape evidence-based reforms, aimed at accelerating clearance times, improving predictability, procedures becoming more efficient and transparent and as a result, reduction in trade-related costs.
Looking Ahead
The second Time Release Study marks a significant step forward in the Maldives’ wider trade facilitation agenda. By strengthening data-driven decision-making and fostering closer coordination among border agencies, the initiative supports long-term improvements in service delivery and positions Maldives to meet the growing demands of a modern, efficient trading environment.