2016 TIME RELEASE STUDY REPORT

The study was implemented by the USAID Business Regulatory, Investment, and Trade Environment Project (BRITE) and was prepared by Chemonics International. The study aimed to evaluate the time spent by trucks at border crossing points (BCPs) and internal customs posts (ICPs) in Moldova. The study focused on outbound and inbound movements, international transit procedures, and the impact of various procedures on dwell time. The study also examined the effectiveness of risk-managed screening, veterinary and phytosanitary procedures, X-ray screening, border police, weighbridge, and bank payments. Additionally, the study looked at the impact of simplified procedures, such as PCA and AEO, on dwell time. The study collected data from 2013 and 2016, comparing the time spent by trucks at BCPs and ICPs during these two periods. The data showed significant improvements in dwell time, with a 27% reduction in time spent by trucks at BCPs and a 25% reduction in time spent by trucks at ICPs. The study also found that the implementation of risk-managed screening and simplified procedures had a positive impact on dwell time. The study identified several areas for improvement, including the need to streamline veterinary and phytosanitary procedures, reduce the time spent on X-ray screening, and improve the efficiency of border police and weighbridge procedures. The study also recommended the implementation of a single window system to facilitate trade and reduce dwell time. The study's findings were based on data collected from 12 BCPs and 4 ICPs in Moldova. The data included information on the number of trucks, the type of cargo, and the time spent at each BCP and ICP. The study also collected data on the procedures followed by trucks, including the use of risk-managed screening and simplified procedures. The study's methodology involved collecting data from various sources, including the Moldova Customs Service, the Border Police, and the National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova. The data was then analyzed to identify trends and areas for improvement. The study's results were presented in a series of annexes, including trade summary tables, time to import and export from Moldova, and procedural flowcharts. The study's findings and recommendations are intended to inform policy decisions and improve the efficiency of customs procedures in Moldova. The study's data showed that the majority of trucks entering Moldova were from the European Union, with the majority of cargo being food and agricultural products. The study also found that the use of risk-managed screening and simplified procedures had a positive impact on dwell time, with a 30% reduction in time spent by trucks at BCPs and a 25% reduction in time spent by trucks at ICPs. The study's findings and recommendations are intended to support the implementation of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, which aims to reduce trade costs and improve the efficiency of customs procedures. The study's results are also intended to inform the development of a national trade facilitation strategy for Moldova.