In a strategic move to improve border efficiency and trade facilitation, the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL), in collaboration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), officially launched the Time Release Study (TRS) on Tuesday in Maseru. The initiative, which is expected to conclude in November 2025, aims to modernise customs operations and reduce delays at key border crossings.
The TRS will primarily focus on the Maseru and Ficksburg border posts, two of the most critical gateways for trade between Lesotho and South Africa. The study will serve as a diagnostic tool to evaluate the entire journey of goods and travellers—from arrival at the border to final release—while identifying bottlenecks and systemic inefficiencies that hinder the smooth flow of trade.
Speaking at the launch event, Mr Rakokoana Makoa, RSL Commissioner of Client Services, emphasized the significance of the project in advancing regional trade. “This study marks a critical milestone in our continuous efforts to modernise and enhance border operations,” he said. “By streamlining procedures, we do not only improve the ease of trade but also enhance our competitiveness in the region.”
Developed by the World Customs Organization, the Time Release Study is globally recognized as an inclusive customs performance measurement tool. It leverages real-time data to evaluate the effectiveness of customs procedures, helping countries identify gaps and design more efficient systems for handling goods and travellers.
Mr Makoa highlighted that the TRS is expected to bring tangible benefits to both the public and private sectors. By reducing waiting times and improving coordination between border agencies, businesses will experience lower operational costs, faster clearance times, and more predictable supply chains.
The study aligns with broader regional integration goals within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), both of which aim to reduce trade barriers and promote economic growth across the continent.
As the TRS progresses toward its conclusion in late 2025, RSL and SARS will continue to work closely with WCO experts, private sector stakeholders, and border communities to ensure the recommendations derived from the study are effectively implemented.
With the successful completion of the Time Release Study, Lesotho and South Africa hope to set a benchmark for border efficiency and cooperation in the Southern African region.
