It works under an honor system, relying primarily on the responsibility and honesty of importers and exporters. During its first month, the system has effectively reduced, in most cases, the time spent in withdrawing merchandise out of customs from several days to a few hours.
Most importers praise the new system as simpler and much more efficient than the previous system.
The former customs procedure required 20 steps and up to three weeks to process merchandise through customs. Under the new system, only seven steps are required and the process can be completed in a matter of hours. Formerly, the importer was required to file a number of forms. The new system is already being implemented in the seven Salvadoran customs stations, in Free Zones, and in bonded areas. The system utilizes the Central American uniform tariff system and its regulations.