G/TFA/N/SUR/1  
 
12 September 2019  
(19-5858) Page: 1/15 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
NOTIFICATION OF CATE GORY COMMITMENTS  UNDER  
THE AGREEMENT ON TRA DE FACILITATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM SURINAME  
The following communica tion, of which the first draft was received 8 August 2019 , is being circulated 
at the request of the delegation of  Suriname for Members' informa tion. 
 
_______________  
 
 
Suriname  hereby makes the following notifications in response to  Articles 15 and 16 of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (WT/L/931).  
 
  
  G/TFA/N/SUR/1  
 
- 2 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1  Publication and Availability of Information  
Article 1.1  Publication  C 31 December  2027 31 December  2028 • Drafting the legal framework to ensure 
legal validity and authenticity of the 
information provided;  
• Defining and organizing the information 
delivery (means and channels of 
publication, choice of IT platform for 
maintenance, storage and publication of 
information);  
• Setting up an organizational framework to 
oversee the maintenance of the information 
and institutional responsibilities , as well as 
policies or rules, including:  
− Security rules;  
− Legal/Policy: Technical expertise to 
develop user friendly publications. 
Technical expertise in translating 
information in other 2 official 
languages;  
− Procedures: Assistance is required to 
review t he range of publications 
produced by border agencies and 
develop more formal procedures in 
order to publish trade related 
information in easily accessible manner 
and to provide measures to ensure that 
relevant agency staffs are aware of the 
obligation;  
− Human Resources/Training: Training of 
all relevant border agency Officials to 
have better understanding of 
Suriname’s international obligations, 
relevant domestic laws and roles and 
responsibilities of other border 
agencies to facilitate trade. The training 
will also include identification of type of 
information that the agencies need to 
publish;  
• Technical Assistance in developing a Trade 
Portal which would encompass a 
functioning website for the Department of 
Trade; this would provide a centralized  
  G/TFA/N/SUR/1  
 
- 3 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
point for publication of relevant laws and 
regulations. Also capacitate other border 
agencies with access as well as knowledge 
of how to properly use this publication 
platform;  
• Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
to review existing legislation:  
− Identify  and a llocate resources to 
ensure timely publication;  
− Develop  and implement change 
management programmes in the public 
sector to effectively disseminate 
information;  
− Develop public education content and 
campaigns, and develop standard 
operating procedures (SOP); and  
− Setup the central body to monitor and 
coordinate the dissemination of 
information, as well as the adoption of 
best practices . 
Article 1.2  Information Available through Internet  C 31 December  2027 31 December  2028 • Technical Assistance in:  
− Web development and maintenance  
− Appropriate connectivity (hardware, 
software and maintenance)  
• Capacity Building in:  
− Training of IT quality management 
(personnel, data collection, synergy);  
− Interconnection with relevant 
governmental bodies an d agencies;  
− Development and implementation of 
policy guidelines on publication of 
trade -related information;  
− Timely review and update of trade -
related information on internet by the 
relevant agencies;  
− Creation of a trade information portal;  
− Institutional  capacity building;  
− Human Resource/Training – Train 
personnel;  
− Equipment - Equipment for 
infrastructural upgrades .  
  G/TFA/N/SUR/1  
 
- 4 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1.3  Enquiry Points C 31 December  2029 31 December 2030 • Technical Assistance and Capacity building 
with regards to setting up and maintaining 
a data information system (website) for 
each designated enquiry point (with inter -
linkage) ; 
• Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
is required to:  
− Train staff (including cross -training) in 
core competencies;  
− Train staff to utilize diverse r esponse 
mechanisms including new and 
alternative media.  
Article 1.4  Notification  C 31 December 2028 31 December 2029 • Legal expert support on drafting legal 
amendments to existing 
ordinances/acts/regulations ; 
• ICT infrastructure and technology for 
maintaining enquiry points ; 
• Staff capacity building on operating and 
maintaining enquiry points.  
Article 2  Opportunity  to Comment, Information before Entry into Force and Consultations   
Article 2.1  Opportunity to Comment and Information 
Before Entry into Force  A - - - 
Article 2.2  Consultations  A - - - 
Article 3  Advance Rulings  
 C 31 December 2029 31 December 2030 • Researching support and resources for 
installing the new module of ASYCUDA 
World for advance ruling (at least 1 
international consultant for one month);  
• Changing the legal and regulatory 
framework and implementing the 
necessary institutional and administrative 
changes;  
• Organize an awareness campaign to 
inform traders and other users of this new 
Functionality;  
• Acquiring office space for a new team 
(comprised of 9 officials);  
• Acquiring IT equipment (computers  + 1 
server to store the advance rulings);   
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- 5 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
• Technical Assistance in drafting the rulings 
& how to establish the implementing 
organization;  
• Assistance in establishing an 
administrative appeal system and training 
staff in:  
− Processing appeals ; 
− Legal/Policy: Technical assistance to 
develop legislation and policies to 
effectively administer and implement 
advance rulings ; 
− Procedures: Technical assistance to 
develop specific and clear guidelines on 
procedures to implement and 
undertake advance rulings ; 
− Human Resource/Training: Training of 
Customs Staff, Brokers and Importers 
on the procedures for advance ruling 
and its importance as wel l as how it will 
be implemented ; 
− Training in Tariff Classification, Rules of 
Origin and Valuation for Customs 
Officers ; 
• Technical  Assistance to integrate advance 
ruling into customs automated systems.  
Article 4  Procedures for Appeal or Review  
 C 31 December 2028 31 December 2029 • Organize sensitization workshops on the 
importance of independent appeal  
procedures for all trade related matters ; 
• Capacity building for drafting regulatory 
language ; 
• Technical assistance to provide specialized 
training fo r appeal officers ; 
− Operationalization of the Appeal body ; 
− Consultancy to determine the legal 
framework for Appeal or Review 
process ; 
− Legal Counsel to determine the 
framework for the institutionalization of 
the review and appeals process ; 
− Legal assistance is necessary to 
develop structure of appeals tribunal ;  
  G/TFA/N/SUR/1  
 
- 6 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
− Technical Assistance/Guidance to 
determine the human resource needs ; 
− Financial and technical resources for 
equipment and software and expertise 
in developing an efficient electronic 
filing s ystem ; 
− Assistance with developing an appeal 
policy and relevant procedures.  
Article 5  Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -Discrimination and Transparency  
Article 5.1  Notification for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  A - - - 
Article 5.2  Detention  A - - - 
Article 5.3  Test Procedures  C 31 December 2028 31 December 2029 • Establishing adequate testing facilities 
regarding Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) 
(coordinated by MoA)  
• Establishment  of adequate testing facilities 
regarding Technical Barriers to Trade  (TBT) 
measures (coordinated by the Suriname 
Bureau of Standards) : 
− Specialized training to carry out this 
task in order to accredit laboratories  
− Legal/Policy: Develop relevant laws 
and policies for agencies Human 
Resources/Training: Capacity building 
for relevant border agencies, 
laboratory technicians and academic 
institut ions on secondary testing.  
− Institutions: Technical assistance and 
capacity building is needed for 
academic institutions, public and 
private laboratories to provide second 
testing.  
• Infrastructure /Equipment: Establishment 
of accredited laboratory/laboratorie s to 
undertake second testing.  
Article 6  Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation and Penalties  
Article 6.1  General Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
Imposed on or in Connection with 
Importation and Exportation  A - - - 
Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
for Customs Processing Imposed on or in C 31 December 2028 31 December 2029 • Legal/Policy: Assistance to develop policies 
and laws to aid in the implementation of  
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- 7 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Connection with Importation and 
Exportation  fees and charges to be applied by customs 
and other agencies at the borders ; 
• Procedures: Technical assistance to 
develop fees structure and how it would be 
applied to imp orters and exporters ; 
• Human Resource/Training: Training of 
Customs personnel and other agencies in 
the application of fees and other charges to 
be applied at the borders ; 
• Research and analysis: Consultancy to 
conduct research and analysis into the 
applicat ion of the fees and implementation.  
Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  C 31 December 2028 31 December 2029 • Support for legislation ; 
• Training of personnel ; 
• Capacity development . 
Article 7  Release and Clearance of Goods  
Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  C 31 December 2028 31 December 2029 • Legal/Policy - Legislative Drafting or 
amendment of all legislation applicable to 
this article ; 
• Procedural – Assistance in developing and 
publish procedures . 
Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  C 31 December 2029 31 December 2030 • Legal/Policy - Legislative Drafting or 
amending of all legislation in order to 
undertake Electronic Payment ; 
• Equipment - Funding upgrades of the 
necessary infrastructure ; 
• Human Resources/Training – Training of 
personnel.  
Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, 
Fees and Charges  C 31 December  2028 31 December 2029 • Technical Assistance in:  
− Carrying out a technical/legal 
diagnosis;  
− Preparing the legislation needed to 
implement this provision;  
− Defining procedures for users and 
implementing agencies;  
− Dissemination  and training.  
Article 7.4  Risk Management  C 31 December 2029 31 December 2030 • Organizing awareness training and capacity 
building for the relevant organisations ; 
• Organize specialized technical courses for 
staff directly involved in the 
implementation of the new procedures ;  
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- 8 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
• Elaborating a risk management policy and 
a strategic management plan.  Also, 
assistance to ensures effective 
implementation of the  risk management 
system ; 
• Adopting an internal structure for the 
Customs administration ; 
• Establishment and recruitment of the staff 
for a separate unit in Customs to gather, 
chart and analyse intelligent data ; 
• Revising Customs laws and regulations to 
reflec t the use of risk management 
techniques ; 
• Using the electronic manifest, aligned to 
international standards, to provide for 
advance identification of high -risk shipment  
• Changing legal, regulatory framework as 
well as institutional and administrative 
require ments ; 
• Acquiring the software to support ASYCUDA 
features ; 
• Technical assistance required to develop a 
mechanism to ensure enhanced 
coordination and collaboration between 
border agencies on risk identification and 
application of risk management, also in 
establishing the framework for this ; 
• Technical assistance to develop capacity in 
relevant border agencies to have a full 
understanding and application of risk 
management system ; 
• Assistance required to acquire as well as 
enhance technological capabilities 
necessary to implement a proper risk 
management process ; 
• In terms of Infrastructure/Equipment – 
assistance to have relevant technology 
such as x -ray machines, scanners, 
laboratory testing facilities in order to 
implement a proper risk management 
system.   
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- 9 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  C 31 December 2029 31 December 2030 • Organize awareness workshops for all 
involved stakeholders ; 
• Legislation or administrative arrangements 
for post -clearance audit (TA) . Set up of a 
small specialized audit unit ; 
• Train Customs officers in becoming 
competent auditing staff (bookkeeping) ; 
• Request technical assistance to develop and 
implement the necessary systems ; 
• Resources required include additional 
staffing with audit skills related to 
valuation, classification, account ing and 
procurement of information digitally. Some 
legislation on the value of digital evidence 
may be required ; 
• Technical Assistance to develop and Publish 
criteria for Authorised Traders as evolution 
of "Trusted Trader" Programme ; 
• Enable electronic filin g and processing at 
land borders which would be dependent 
upon availability of infrastructure and 
connectivity ; 
• Draft Legislation for application of 
electronic filing and processing.  
Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of Average 
Release Times  C 31 December 2028 31 December 2029 • Conducting a Time -release study;  
• Dissemination of information on release 
and clearance time;  
• Assistance to put in place systems to meet 
TFA requirements to be able to regularly 
measure and publish average release 
times;  
• Assistance to build capacity within relevant 
border agency officials to conduct TRS;  
• Assistance to develop and implement 
automated system to eliminate 
inaccuracies in the measurement of time 
taken for processes.  
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized 
Operators  C 31 December 2028 31 December 2029 • TA to conduct a feasibility study for the 
implementation of AO ; 
• Review and update the legal and/or 
regulatory framework for the AO system 
based on international standards ;  
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- 10 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
• Establishing an up -to-date ICT system ; 
• Organize consultations and awareness 
raising events for traders ; 
• Develop relevant legislation and policies to 
allow the setup of an Authorised Operators 
(AO) program (Develop an Authorised 
Operators policy) ; 
• Develop p roper procedures and criteria for 
the assessment of authorised operators 
that meet specified criteria in the AO 
program ; 
• Human Resources/Training – capacity 
building for all border agencies such 
Customs and Excise Department, 
Quarantine Department and Port  Authority.  
Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  C 31 December 2028 31 December 2029 • Human Resources/Training: Train 
personnel;  
• Legal/Policy - Legislative amendments to 
the Customs Act;  
• Procedures - Development of procedures 
for the operation of the programme and 
provide advice on the criteria to be used to 
determine companies which qualify.  
Article 7.9  Perishable G oods C 31 December 2028 31 December 2029 • Technical and financial support is needed to 
facilitate the traceability of goods ; 
• Design of an electronic alert and notification 
system ; 
• Expert advice on the preparation of a 
handbook on managing perishables, and 
development of standards to improve the 
cold chain for perishable goods ; 
• Creation of infrastructure, modification of 
processes, worksho ps, etc., and 
quantification of the cost of such projects 
and programmes ; 
• Technical assistance for all institutions 
concerned with foreign trade (tariffs, taxes, 
sanitary and phytosanitary matters, etc.)   
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- 11 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  
 C 31 December 2027 31 December 2028 Technical Assistance in:  
• Analysing /mapping of each agency 's 
existing procedures, mandate and 
operations ; 
• Designing a monitoring system of the traffic 
flow and time delays to measure the  impact 
of the changes and to continuously identify 
possible bottlenecks at the  border posts ; 
• - Assistance in Introducing a new IT 
environment, simplifying and 
harmonization of existing procedures ; 
• Defining a governance model for the joint 
border post (including financing modalities 
for the construction, operations and 
maintenance) ; 
• Technical Assistance to develop a IT system 
to capture all the required information and 
data at the borders ; 
• Technical and financial in order to Increase 
institutional capacity, while harmonizing 
the different systems, as well as training 
and developing of testing facilities.  
Article 9  Movement of Goods Intended for I mport  under Customs Control  
 A - - - 
Article 10  Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation 
Requirements  C 31 December 2027 31 December 2028 • Assistance to create a Review body 
comprising stakeholders ' representatives in 
order for regular review of the existing 
documentary requirements ; 
• Technical assistance to review relevant 
laws in order to streamline import and 
export permits and other necessary 
requirements ; 
• Assistance is needed to develop a 
government -wide strategy to replace all 
documentation with electronic processing 
especially in other border related agencies ; 
• Assistance to streamline procedures across 
border agencies to avoid duplication of both  
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- 12 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
procedures and documentation in order to 
facilitate trade ; 
• Technical assistance needed to promote 
border coordination as well as assist other 
agencies to transition to  electronic 
documents ; 
• Capacity building for relevant border 
agency Officials to ensure enhanced border 
coordination ; 
• Assistance needed to capacitate other 
agencies with ICT tools and enablers in 
order to meet international standards for 
computerised syste m as well as expedite 
clearance.  
Article 10.2  Acceptance of C opies C 31 December 2027 31 December 2028 • TA in Consultation sessions with all relevant 
public and private stakeholders on  
formalities reduction ; 
• Technical and financial assistance in:  
− Preparing regulations within domestic 
legislation to enable the 
implementation of this measure;  
− Adaptation of the IT systems of the 
relevant government agencies;  
− Implementation of a software tool for 
the digitization and storage of customs 
and other govern ment agency 
documents, as necessary;  
− Capacity building for implementation 
and effective follow -up of the measure . 
Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  C 31 December 2027 31 December 2028 • Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
support is required to:  
− Fund participating in overseas training;  
− Organize training in change 
management tools for senior 
managers;  
− Assess the testing, certification, 
inspection and accreditation 
capabilities of food safety regulatory 
agencies and provide assistance f or 
upgrading facilities and achieving 
compliance with relevant standards;   
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- 13 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
− Develop and implement a training and 
certification program to assist 
exporters to meet relevant standards ; 
− Provision of IT infrastructure ; 
− Training and enlightenment of Customs 
officers on the use of WCO instruments 
and tools for uniform implementation of 
the TFA amongst Customs 
Administration ; 
− Support to attend Standard setting 
meetings of international standards ; 
− Assistance to develop a coherent and 
consistent national policy in ado pting 
and implementing international 
standards.  
Article 10.4  Single Window  C 31 December 2027  31 December 2028  • TA in developing Awareness Programs for 
stakeholders, but also the sensitizing of 
Policy makers ; 
• Revisiting legislation in areas where 
overlapping of functions occurs ; 
• Establish technical infrastructure for the 
operation of SW ; 
• Technical Assistance: equipment for the 
operation of the single window ; 
• Capacity Building: Training for users 
(authorities, customs brokers, etc.) of the 
single wi ndow; Training for users of the 
Single Window to include all Border 
Agencies, Shippers, and Customs Brokers 
among others ; 
• Public awareness campaign on the need 
and benefits of the single window ; 
• Administrative/Operational support to 
develop a model harmoni zed common data 
proposal for relevant Border Agencies 
including proposal for single payment of all 
fees; 
• Technical Assistance to update the 
Legislative, Institutional and Regulatory 
framework of relevant Agencies ;  
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- 14 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
• Training for users of the Single Window to  
include all Border Agencies, Shippers, and 
Customs Brokers among others ; 
• Develop a monitoring and evaluation 
mechanism ; 
• Sensitization of the Private Sector . 
Article 10.5  Pre-shipment Inspection  C 31 December 2023 31 December 2024 • Organize Training of Customs officials in 
pre- and post-shipping  inspections, 
especially to re -enforce Customs ' capability 
to fight under invoicing;  
• Training of customs officers in scanner 
management techniques ; 
• Training of valuation and tariff division 
personnel . 
Article 10.6  Use of Customs Brokers  C 31 December 2023 31 December 2024 • Train personnel ; 
• Conduct awareness campaigns . 
Article 10.7  Common Border Procedures and Uniform 
Documentation Requirements  A - - - 
Article 10.8  Rejected G oods C 31 December 2028 31 December 2029 • Legal Guidelines for the procedure and 
disposal of rejected goods to be developed 
and implemented by the relevant Agencies 
e.g. Divisions of Agriculture, Bureau of 
Standards etc.  
Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward 
and Outward Processing  A - - - 
Article 11  Freedom of Transit  
 C 31 December 2028 31 December 2029 • Technical assistance to conduct a 
Comprehensive study and review of other 
fees and charges ; 
• Technical assistance needed in drafting a 
Legal text ; 
• Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
support is required to:  
− Ensure that cost apportionment is 
accurate;  
− Train personnel in appropriate 
methodology to assess the trade 
impact of transit fees.   
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- 15 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 12  Customs C ooperation  
 C 31 December 2029 31 December 2030 • Technical assistance to revise the legal 
framework to provide for the exchange of 
information with other parties;  
• Technical assistance to develop necessary 
procedures that ensures effective 
notification;  
• Legislative Drafting/Amending of all 
legislation applicable such as Customs and 
Act; 
• Technical assistance to build capacity in 
relevant border agencies in order to 
implement and facilitate information 
sharing systems and protocols ; 
• Development of efficient procedures in 
order to facilitate and implement 
information sharing system at the 
Regional/International level  
• Technical assistance to build capacity in 
relevant border agencies in order to 
implement and facilitate information 
sharing systems and  protocols ; 
• Assistance to ensure reasonable to high 
level access to IT equipment's especially for 
other border agencies ; 
• Procedures - development of efficient 
procedures in order to facilitate and 
implement information sharing system at 
the National /Regio nal/International level;  
• Technical assistance to build capacity in 
relevant border agencies in order to 
implement and facilitate information 
sharing systems and protocols;  
• Training capacity building needed for 
relevant border agency Officials, business 
community to be sensitised, equipped and 
trained in order to implement information 
system ; 
• Assistance to ensure reasonable to high 
level access to IT equipment's especially for 
border agencies.  
 
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