G/TFA/2/ LCA/INF/1  
 
14 November  2023 
(23-7645) Page: 1/3 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
  
REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT  
COMMUNICATION FROM SAINT LUCIA  
The following communication, dated 9 November  2023, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Saint Lucia . 
 
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In accordance with the recommendation resulting  from the  first review of the operation and 
implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (G/TFA/2 , paragraph  9.2 vi.)1, Saint Lucia  
hereby confirm s, for information purposes , that it has fulfilled the following commitments under  
Trade Facilitation Agreement, as  detailed below : 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Definitive date for 
implementation  
 
Article 1.1 Publication  
 B 29 December 2023  
The Saint Lucia Constitution requires all laws to be published in the Official Gazette:  Constitution of Saint Lucia 
– Article 47. Mode of Exercise of legislative power  - https://www.govt.lc/constitution3Part2#section47 .   
 
In addition, the Customs (Control and Management) Act requires the Customs Comptroller to publish all 
provisions  in relation to the Act or subsidiary legislation made under the Act in the Official Gazette : Custo ms 
Act – Article 10. Directions - http://www.customs.gov.lc/legislation/customs -core-legislation/customs -control -
and-management -act-cap.15.05.pdf .   
 
The Saint Luci a Official Gazette including any accompanying legislation are  accessible via the National Printing 
Corporation website  - http://www.slugovprintery.com .  
 
Information in keeping with Article 1.1 of the TFA is also published on the Saint Lucia Customs and Excise 
Department website – www.customs.gov.lc .  
 
On this basis, Saint Lucia is s atisfied that it has met the requirements of this measure.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Building on the discussions during this first review of the operation and implementation of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement, and with a view to furthering its work in regard to Section II of the TFA, the Committee : 
vi. recommends that Members whose implem entation dates have passed for their category B or C 
provisions, and on a voluntary basis and for informational purposes only: (i) confirm the passing of 
implementation dates in any form or reporting (orally or in writing); and/or (ii) share their implemen tation 
experiences with the Committee while explicitly mentioning the provision they have implemented. Category B 
and Category C provisions shall be implemented on the definitive dates as notified by Members as per Article  16.5 
of the Agreement. The  Commit tee could encourage those Members who have implemented category B provisions 
in particular to take the actions above. It should be noted that this proposal never intends to modify the Members' 
obligations under the TFA . G/TFA/2/ LCA/INF/1  
 
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  Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Definitive date for 
implementation  
 
Article 1.3 Enquiry Point  
 C 30 June 2023  
Saint Lucia was unable to identify or secure a donor to assist with implementation of this measure. In 2022, 
Saint Lucia made a request to a development partner for assistance to establish its enquiry point  system 
including a request for assistance for ano ther measure,  however , at the time of the request,  priority was given 
towards assisting Saint Lucia with the other measure  due to the availability of resources.  
 
Using national resources, Saint Lucia implemented  an enquiry point system through a helpdesk feature on the 
Saint Lucia Customs and Excise Department website to deal with enquiries in relation to Article 1.1. of the WTO 
TFA including other trad e and customs related enquiries. The helpdesk feature is acce ssible via the following 
link - www.customs.gov.lc  / http://www.customs.gov.lc/contact -us.php .  
 
Saint Lucia also has a national enquiry point in place, details of which is available on the Customs website which  
is accessible via the same link as the help desk.  
 
On this basis, Saint Lucia is satisfied that it has met the requirements of this m easure.  
 
 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Definitive date for 
implementation  
 
Article 2.1  Opportunity to Comment and 
Information Before Entry into Force  
 B 28 July 2023  
Border agencies in S aint Lucia provide opportunities and an appropriate period for traders and other interested 
stakeholders  to comment on the proposed introduction or amendment of laws and regulations of general 
application related to the movement, release, and clearance of goo ds, including goods in transit.  
 
Saint Lucia is satisfied that it has implemented this measure.  
 
 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Definitive date for 
implementation  
 
Article 2.2 Consultations  
 B 28 July 2023  
Stakeholder consultations before the entry into force o f the proposed introduction or amendment of laws and 
regulations of general application related to the movement, release, and clearance of goods, including goods 
in transit are regularly held through t he National Trade Facilitation Committee  structure. In addition, the 
Customs Administration and other border agencies use delayed application when legislation is gazette d. A 
timeframe of 3-6 months is observed post-enactment.  
 
Saint Lucia is satisfied tha t it has implemented this measure.  
 
 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Definitive date for 
implementation  
 
Article 7.1 Pre-arrival Processing  
 B 28 April 2023  
The Saint Lucia Customs and Excise Department uses the  upgraded version of the  ASYCUDA World  System 
being version  4.2.2 which allows for the submission of import documentation and other required information, 
including manifests, to be lodged and begin processing before the arrival of goods in order to expedite the 
release of goods up on arrival. Advance lodging of documents is possible in electronic format for pre -arrival 
processing of such documents.  
Saint Lucia is satisfied that it has met the requirements of this measure.  
 
 
 G/TFA/2/ LCA/INF/1  
 
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  Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Definitive date for 
implementation  
 
Article 7.5 Post Clearance Audit  
 B 28 April 2023  
The Saint Lucia Customs and Excise Department  has adopted a post -clearance audit unit and procedures to 
ensure compliance with customs and other related laws and regulations. An annual plan is developed and 
adopted on an annual basis, and the result of post -clearance audits are applied in risk manage ment. A Post-
clearance audit manual has been developed and is used for internal processes.  
 
Saint Lucia is satisfied that it has met the requirements of this measure.  
 
 
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