Bolivia is moving towards a transformation in its foreign trade through digitalization. Since September 30, the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE) has begun to operate, and it is expected that by 2026 it will allow digital management 116 procedures from 22 entities public, reducing bureaucracy and optimizing customs procedures.
According to Bolivian National CustomsThis measure constitutes a comprehensive solution to boost foreign trade, facilitating coordination between sectoral control entities and customs administrations. The aim is to strengthen more efficient and collaborative border management, boosting trade growth.
The first institution to join the VUCE will be the Bolivian Institute of Metrology (IBMETRO), with the Environmental Certification process. It is estimated that, by the end of the year, the system will have advanced one step. 5% in its implementation, with the inclusion of various authorizations and certifications issued by different entities. By 2025, it is projected to reach a 70% progress, and it is expected that the 100% of the procedures will be integrated by 2026. This was announced by Karina Serrudo, president of the National Customs, during the National Meeting of Exporters, organized by the National Chamber of Exporters of Bolivia.
Consequently, the VUCE of Bolivia will allow foreign trade operators manage procedures of prior authorizations and certifications in a centralized manner, regardless of the entity that issues them, as IBMETRO, the National Service of Agricultural Health and Food Safety (SENASAG), the State Agency for Medicines and Health Technologies (AGEMED), the National Export Verification Service (SENAVEX), among others.
Elimination of paper
With the implementation of VUCE, operators will be able to submit documents digitally, thus eliminating the use of paper and the cumbersome process of photocopying identity documents, NIT and other physical requirements. In addition, the system allows users to digitally track their procedures and make payments using QR codes or bank transfers from mobile devices.
The platform is interoperable with other national and international systems, facilitating the reuse of information recorded in previous procedures to request additional authorizations and certifications.
International support
The implementation of the VUCE began in 2021, with an investment of more than 27 million bolivianos destined to improve the technological infrastructure of the National Customs, which included the purchase of a data center and data servers. 2022, the project received support from the SECO WCO Trade Facilitation Programme, and in 2023, had the collaboration of the VUCE of Uruguay and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to acquire technical knowledge and strengthen the system.
August 28 2024 The government made the creation of the VUCE official through Supreme Decree No. 5211, and on September 25, the National Customs approved its operating regulations. Finally, on September 30, the VUCE was officially launched, marking a step forward in the digitalization of Bolivia's foreign trade.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
