G/TFA/N/PRY/4  
30 May 2023 
(23-3676) Page: 1/6 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original:  Spanish  
 
  
NOTIFICATION OF ARRANGEMENTS AND PROGRESS IN THE PROVISION OF  
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITY -BUILDING SUPPORT OF  
CATEGORY C DESIGNATIONS  
COMMUNICATION FROM PARAGUAY  
The following communication, dated 25  May 2023, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Paraguay.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Paraguay hereby notifies information on the arrangements concluded and progress made in the 
provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support for the following catego ry C 
designations, in accordance with Article  16 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).  
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Article  1.1 Publication  C 1 September 2018  1 September 2021  
Donors/Agencies:  
 
• The International Trade Centre (ITC), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development 
(UNCTAD) and World Trade Organization (WTO), through the Global Trade Helpdesk  initiative;  
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Trade -Facilitating Agricultural Systems and 
Technology (T -FAST) project in Paraguay; and  
• The Ministry of Industry and Trade's own resources.  
 
Progress in the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support  
 
• Paraguay's participation in the Global Trade Helpdesk initiative helped to raise awareness of 
information on the requirements, procedures, tariffs, taxes and fees applied to import and export 
procedures, with detailed explanation s provided that included the legal basis for the requirements 
and estimates of the total cost and time involved in these procedures for specific products.  
• The National Trade Facilitation Committee (CNFC), supported by the USDA -funded T -FAST project, 
is dev eloping a digital web platform where information relevant to international trade can be 
centralized. This information will include a compilation of existing international trade regulations.  
• Paraguay has identified that it requires additional technical assi stance and capacity -building for the 
sustainable implementation of this provision, in particular the maintenance and development of these 
platforms.  
• In this regard, additional technical assistance and capacity -building is required to strengthen the 
Global Trade Helpdesk Paraguay tool, and expand the number of national export and import products 
listed on the platform.  
• Paraguay requires technical assistance and capacity -building support for training in negotiating 
disciplines.  
 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Article  1.2 Information Available 
through Internet  C 1 March 2019  1 September 2021  G/TFA /N/PRY/4  
 
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  Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Donors/Agencies:  
 
• The ITC, UNCTAD and WTO, through the Global Trade Helpdesk  initiative;   
• The USDA through its T -FAST project in Paraguay; and  
• The Ministry of Industry and Trade's own resources.  
 
Progress in the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support  
 
• The www.globaltradehelpdesk.org  portal contains the following: detailed descriptions on import and 
export procedures, a compilation of forms, documents and the regulatory basis requested for these 
procedures for  specific products.  
• Once the www.cnfc.gov.py  portal has been finalized and is operational, with assistance from the 
USDA, trade -related information such as current legislation, forms and other information relevant to 
import, export and transit procedures will be made available to interested parties via the Internet.  
• Paraguay has identified that it requires additional technical assistance and capacity -building for the 
sustainable implementation of this provision, in particular the maintenance and development of these 
platforms.  
 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Article  1.3 Enquiry Points  C 1 September 2018  1 September 2021  
Donors/Agencies:  
 
• The USDA through its T -FAST project in Paraguay.  
 
Progress in the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support  
 
• Once the www.cnfc.gov.py  portal has been finalized and is operational, contact details will be made 
available of the designated enquiry point to answer reasonable enquiries of governments, traders 
and other interested parties on import, export and transit procedures.  
• Paraguay has  identified that it requires additional technical assistance and capacity -building for the 
sustainable implementation of this provision, in particular, inter alia , addressing the extra difficulties 
that it faces as a landlocked developing country.  
• Paraguay is addressing the internal bottlenecks that were identified in the Mapping and 
Systematization of Foreign Trade Processes report. However, structural challenges persist for 
Paraguay in its external trade relations, which are compounded on account of it being a landlocked 
developing country. In this regard, working on the best solutions for river navigability and exports 
requires cutting -edge technological solutions, such as the use of big data, to address the logistical 
challenges of international trade. Processing and analysing large volumes of internal and external 
data would help in identifying the best trade routes and optimal navigability strategies, as well as 
minimizing cost overruns on account of it being a landlocked developing country.  
 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Article  1.4 Notification  C 1 March 2018  1 September 2021  
Donors/Agencies:  
 
• The USDA through its T -FAST project in Paraguay.  
• The ITC, UNCTAD and WTO, through the Global Trade Helpdesk  initiative;  
 
Progress in the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support  
 
• The USDA's T -FAST project is supporting Paraguay in preparing trade facilitation notifications for the 
World Tr ade Organization. In this regard, further information will be published on www.cnfc.gov.py  
with a view to submitting the notification on Article  1.4 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
• The ITC also held market analysis workshops in Paraguay, during which training was provided on the 
use of the ITC's market analysis tools.  
• Paraguay has identified that it requires additional technical assistance and capacity -building for the 
sustainable implementation of this prov ision, in particular, inter alia , strengthening WTO agreements 
and disciplines, with a focus on the proper preparation of notifications, the use of tools with the 
required information and the updating of new available resources.  
 G/TFA/N/PRY/4  
 
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  Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Article  2.1 Opportunity to 
Comment and 
Information Before 
Entry into Force  C 1 September 2018  1 September 2020  
Donors/Agencies:  
 
• The Latin American Integration Association (LAIA), through its Implementation of Article  2 of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement in Paraguay project;  
• The UNCTAD, through its Empowerment Programme for National Trade Facilitation Committees;  
• The USDA through its T-FAST project in Paraguay; and  
• The Ministry of Industry and Trade's own resources.  
Progress in the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support  
 
The CNFC  agreed on a centralized public consultation mechanism. When operational, the mechanism will be 
available on the www.cnfc.gov.py  portal, which is still being finalized. The mechanism, as established by 
Presidential D ecree No.  8614 of 27  December 2022, is aimed at creating a centralized public -private 
consultation and citizen engagement system that will allow Paraguayan foreign trade operators to be informed 
about, send enquiries and submit comments on proposals to int roduce or amend decrees and resolutions 
regarding the import, export and transit of goods. To develop the mechanism, the CNFC is receiving support 
from:  
 
• In 2019, the LAIA Support System for Relatively Less Economically Developed Countries (PMDER) 
provided  assistance to Paraguay in starting implementation of Article  2 of the Agreement, by 
preparing the first draft of the regulatory framework necessary to set up an early publication and 
public consultation mechanism.  
• With the assistance of UNCTAD's empowerme nt programme, in 2020, the CNFC agreed on a proposed 
policy framework for public consultations.  
• With the support of the USDA T -FAST project, the technological tools needed to operationalize the 
procedures set out in the regulatory framework are currently b eing developed, and training will be 
provided to the private and public sectors on use of the tool.  
• Paraguay has identified that it requires additional technical assistance and capacity -building for the 
sustainable implementation of this provision, in particular:  
- Capacity -building in the private and public sectors on use of the mechanism.  
- Raise awar eness of the mechanism.  
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Article  2.2 Consultations  C 1 September  2018 1 September  2020 
Donors/Agencies:  
 
• The LAIA, through its Implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in Paraguay project;  
• The UNCTAD, through its Empowerment Programme for National Trade Facilitation Committees; and  
• The USDA through its T -FAST project in Paraguay.  
Progress in the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support  
 
• Following the establishment of the CNFC, the frequency of regular consultations and meetings 
between border agencies and members of international trade -related private sector chambers and 
associations.  
• With support from LAIA, UNCTAD and the USDA, progress is being made toward the establishment 
of draft regulations on the mechanism to implement  Article 2.1 of the Agreement, which provides for 
a virtual space where consultation on draft regulations of gener al application can take place before 
entering into force.  
• Paraguay has identified that it requires additional technical assistance and capacity -building for the 
sustainable implementation of this provision.  
 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Article  5.3 Test Procedures  C 1 September 2020  1 September 2023  
Donors/Agencies:  
 
• Support to the improvement of MSME competitiveness and business environment in Paraguay 
(MiPYME COMPITE) programme, funded by the European  Union. Action by the World Bank under the G/TFA /N/PRY/4  
 
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  Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
MiPYME COMPITE programme, subcontracted to UNCTAD, through its Empowerment Programme for 
National Trade Facilitation Committees;  
• The USDA t hrough its T -FAST project in Paraguay; and  
• The European Union through its MIPYME COMPITE programme.  
• Implementation of Article  5.3 is ongoing.  
 
Progress in the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support  
 
The CNFC  is making progress on strengthening and expanding the laboratory services of public and private 
institutions that perform international trade -related testing, with technical assistance and capacity -building 
support received from:  
• The MiPYME COMPITE progra mme, which is providing technical assistance for the establishment of a 
national network of laboratories for food safety quality control and monitoring, called the Paraguay 
National Network of Food Testing Laboratories (RENLAP).  
• The USDA T -FAST project is supporting Paraguay in strengthening the laboratory capacity of public and 
private institutions that are members of the CNFC in the form of:  
 
− Technical assistance to computerize laboratories at the National Food and Nutrition Institute 
(INAN).  
− Acquisition of hyperconverged servers where the laboratory systems of the National Plant and 
Seed Quality and Health Service (SENAVE) and the National Animal Quality and Health Service 
(SENACSA) and where a laboratory information management system (LIMS) is being deve loped.  
− Training courses for approximately 281  professionals from public - and private -sector 
institutions, conducted by experts from Kansas State University (KSU) on, inter alia : trade, 
sanitary and phytosanitary measure regulations; microbiology, food safety and rapid laboratory 
methods; regulatory challenges and laboratory testing; chemical testing of agricultural and food 
products; PCR use and plant bacteriology; and collecting, processing and interpreting sample 
data for plant safe ty assessments.  
− International certification for 33 public -sector professionals in food safety and the Hazard 
Analysis  and Critical Control Points (HACCP), issued by the Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) in 
the United States.  
− Online training on laboratory pr ocedures and techniques, via the Labster platform, for 125  public 
and private laboratory technicians.  
− Establishment of the RENLAP, which initially comprised the public laboratories of the SENAVE, 
SENACSA and INAN.  
− Technical assistance for the launch of an online platform of national laboratories, which is 
currently ongoing.  
• Paraguay needs to further consolidate its progress through technical assistance and capacity -building 
support to implement this provision. This includes:  
 
− Strengthening the responsiveness of public and private laboratories in accordance with 
international standards with equipment and staff training.  
− Exchanging experiences with countries in the region on procedures implemented for second 
tests.  
− Receiving technical assistance in order to analyse the national legal framework and 
administrative procedures regarding the timeliness of performing second tests and the survey 
of the needs of private -sector requirements for opportunities to improve laboratory procedures.  
− Promoting the  development and adoption of regulations on the performance of second tests, 
where regulatory or administrative gaps exist.  
− Receiving support for the acquisition of equipment, logistics and capacity -building, and staff 
training to strengthen both public a nd private laboratories in the production chain in accordance 
with international standards.  
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Article  7.6 Establishment and 
Publication of Average 
Release Times  C 1 September 2019  9 April 2021  
Donors/Agencies:  
 
• Implemented using the National Customs Directorate's (DNA) own resources.  
• Support to the improvement of MSME competitiveness and business environment in Paraguay 
(MiPYME COMPITE) programme, funded by the European  Union. Will be carried out through a World 
Bank consultancy as part of the above -mentioned programme.  
 G/TFA/N/PRY/4  
 
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  Progress in the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support  
 
Paraguay's DNA regularly measures and publishes the average time required for the clearance of goods. This 
information is available at the following link: 
https://www.aduana. gov.py/?page_id=10894&preview_nonce=10643f8284   
 
In the first half of 2023, the World Bank began a time release study on foreign trade processes, as part of the 
MiPYME COMPITE programme, funded by the European Union. The study will be coordinated with the 
Investment and Export Network (REDIEX) of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and other stakeholders. The 
study will be implemented in two ports and involves sharing methodology with the competent national 
institutions.  
 
Paraguay has identified that it requires additional technical assistance and capacity -building for the 
sustainable implementation of this provision.  
 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Article  7.7 Trade Facilitation 
Measures for 
Authorized Operators  C 1 September 2018  1 September 2020  
Donors/Agencies:  
 
• The World Customs Organization (WCO);  
• The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID);  
• The Organization of American States (OAS)/Inter -American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE); 
and 
• The USDA through its T -FAST project in Paraguay  
 
Progress in the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support  
 
• On two occasions (2015 and 2017), the WCO provided technical assistance  to develop the regulatory 
framework necessary to set up the Authorized Economic Operator programme in Paraguay.  
• In 2018, the OAS, through the CICTE, provided technical assistance to im plement the programme.  
• USAID provided technical assistance for 14  months, between 2019 and 2020, in order to strengthen 
and promote the OAS programme internally and externally,  with the recruitment of a consultancy 
firm by a WCO -accredited expert.  
Continuing the cooperation arrangements with USAID, the T -FAST project is providing technical 
assistance between 2021 and 2023 in order to strengthen the authorized economic operator 
programme by supporting the DNA in adding other public institutions to th e programme.  
• Paraguay requires additional technical assistance and capacity -building in order to train and hire IT 
technicians and system developers to help increase the capacities of the SENAVE Electronic 
Procedures Platform (TES) so as to link with the S ingle Windows for Imports and Exports.  
• Paraguay also requires additional technical assistance and capacity -building in order to extend the 
recognition of the Authorized Economic Operator programme, bilaterally and regionally.  
 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Article  7.8 Expedited Shipments  C 1 September 2018  1 September 2022  
Donor:  
 
• The USDA through its T -FAST project in Paraguay  
 
Progress in the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support  
 
• With the support of the T -FAST project, in coordination with the Paraguayan Industrial Union (UIP), 
the Mapping of Air Export and Import Processes in Paraguay was completed, which included, t ogether 
with a survey of the status quo of these processes, an action plan for the progressive implementation 
of recommendations to improve procedures that facilitate the rapid release of products covered by 
the express shipment scheme in Paraguay.  
• Paragua y requires additional technical assistance and capacity -building, in particular, inter alia , 
addressing and following up on the 267 bottlenecks identified in the Mapping of Paraguayan Foreign 
Trade Processes report. Out of these, 47 improvement opportuniti es pertain to export and import 
processes in Paraguay.  
 
 G/TFA /N/PRY/4  
 
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  Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
 
Article  8   Border Agency 
Cooperation  C 1 March 2021  1 September 2024  
Donor:  
 
• The USDA through its T -FAST project in Paraguay  
 
Progress in the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support  
 
• The USDA's T -FAST project will support the development of a survey of the number of current private 
ports, as well as of their operating conditions and certification, so that the Naval Prefecture can 
undertake its work of monitoring the operating conditions of private ports.  
• Paraguay requires additional technical assistance and capacity building in order to implement this 
provision, in particular, inter alia , identifying the location of existing and authorized private ports, and 
surveying conditions, such as infrastructure, number of operational personnel in each private port, 
public -sector personnel and institutions located on site and their infrastructure conditions.  
 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Article  23.2  Establishment of the 
CNFC  N/A N/A N/A 
Donor:  
 
• Support to the improvement of MSME competitiveness and business environment in Paraguay 
(MiPYME COMPITE) programme, funded by the European  Union. Action by the World Bank under the 
MiPYME COMPITE programme, subcontracted to UNCTAD, through its Empowerment Programme for 
National Trade Facilitation Committees;  
• The USDA through its T -FAST project in Paraguay; and  
• The LAIA.  
 
Progress in the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support:1 
 
• Through the PMDER , in 2018, LAIA provided assistance to Paraguay in starting implementation of 
the TFA, collaborating on raising awareness of the commitments of the Agreement among public and 
private institutions involved in international trade and supporting the process o f establishing national 
priorities.  
• With funding from the MiPYME COMPITE programme, technical assistance from UNCTAD's 
empowerment programme was contracted in 2020 through the World Bank. The CNFC established 
biannual work plans (2021 -2022) for the impleme ntation of category C measures. The programme 
also trained members on trade facilitation and provided general support in following up on work 
plans.  
• The USDA T -FAST project is working with the Technical Secretariat of the CTFC by providing support 
in the a reas of monitoring and communication.  
• With the joint contribution of the MiPYME COMPITE programme and the T -FAST project, training was 
provided for the coordinators and members of the working groups, with the aim of strengthening 
leadership and coordinati on capacities, in order to improve the effectiveness of the working groups.  
• Paraguay needs to further consolidate its progress through technical assistance and capacity -building 
support in order to implement this provision.  
 
 
__________  
 
1 This article of the TFA  was included in this notification in order to raise awareness of the assistance 
received and the country's international cooperation needs in relation to the establishment and operation of the 
CNFC. This clarification may be necessary in view of the fact that this notification is mandatory only with regard 
to the technical measures of the TFA (Articles 1 to 12).