Publication: Automating the Control of Goods in International Transit : Implementing the TIM in Central America
Date
2010-05
ISSN
Published
2010-05
Author(s)
Sarmiento, Alvaro
Lucenti, Krista
Garcia, Aurelio
Abstract
In 2008, the Integration and Trade
Sector (INT) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
designed an innovative project in Central America called
International Goods in Transit (or TIM, its Spanish
acronym), which has dramatically improved the speed and
efficiency of border clearance for goods in transit. The TIM
is an electronic system for managing and controlling the
movement of goods in transit that harmonizes previously
cumbersome procedures into a single electronic document,
consolidating information and certifications from various
authorities including migration, customs, and
health/agriculture. The project is based on three main
pillars: (1) process reengineering: TIM harmonizes multiple
paper-based declarations into a unique and comprehensive
electronic document that gathers all data needed by customs,
migration, and phytosanitary agencies; (2) information
technology: TIM connects the intranet systems of all
agencies participating in the project. It includes
state-of-the-art risk analysis and cargo control systems;
and (3) cooperation: TIM improves cooperation within the
country and between the different agencies operating at
border crossings in the Mesoamerican region.
Citation
“Sarmiento, Alvaro; Lucenti, Krista; Garcia, Aurelio. 2010. Automating the Control of Goods in International Transit : Implementing the TIM in Central America. IFC Smart Lessons Brief. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/9a288aea-a6b6-5fb6-916c-2d1419d24e13 License: CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO.”
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