Nicaragua

2023 Trade facilitation score of 62.37%
Transparency: 80%; Formalities: 83.33%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 55.56%; Paperless Trade: 55.56%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 33.33%.

2017 Trade facilitation score of 55.91%
Transparency: 80%; Formalities: 70.83%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 55.56%; Paperless Trade: 44.44%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 33.33%.

2015 Trade facilitation score of 53.76%
Transparency: 73.33%; Formalities: 66.67%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 55.56%; Paperless Trade: 44.44%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 33.33%.

Measure Survey 2015 Survey 2017 Survey 2019 Survey 2021 Survey 2023 Change**

Transparency
Publication of existing import-export regulations on the internet Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Stakeholders` consultation on new draft regulations (prior to their finalization) Partially implemented Fully implemented Not available Not available Fully implemented
Advance publication/notification of new trade-related regulations before their implementation* Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Advance ruling on tariff classification and origin of imported goods* Fully implemented Fully implemented Not available Not available Fully implemented
Independent appeal mechanism Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented

Formalities
Risk management Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Pre-arrival processing Fully implemented Fully implemented Not available Not available Fully implemented
Post-clearance audits* Fully implemented Fully implemented Not available Not available Fully implemented
Separation of Release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges Fully implemented Fully implemented Not available Not available Fully implemented
Establishment and publication of average release times Not implemented Not implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
TF measures for authorized operators* Planning stage Partially implemented Not available Not available Fully implemented
Expedited shipments Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Acceptance of copies of original supporting documents required for import, export or transit formalities* Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented

Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation
National Trade Facilitation Committee or similar body* Fully implemented Fully implemented Not available Not available Fully implemented
National legislative framework and/or institutional arrangements for border agencies cooperation* Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Government agencies delegating border controls to Customs authorities* Not implemented Not implemented Not available Not available Not implemented
Alignment of working days and hours with neighbouring countries at border crossings Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Alignment of formalities and procedures with neighbouring countries at border crossings Not implemented Not implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented

Paperless Trade
Automated Customs System* Fully implemented Fully implemented Not available Not available Fully implemented
Internet connection available to Customs and other trade control agencies* Fully implemented Fully implemented Not available Not available Fully implemented
Electronic Single Window System Not implemented Not implemented Not available Not available Not implemented
Electronic submission of Customs declarations Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Electronic application and issuance of import and export permit* Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Electronic Submission of Sea Cargo Manifests Not implemented Not implemented Not available Not available Planning stage
Electronic Submission of Air Cargo Manifests Not implemented Not implemented Not available Not available Planning stage
Electronic application and issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin Not implemented Not implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
E-Payment of Customs Duties and Fees Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Electronic Application for Customs Refunds Not implemented Not implemented Not available Not available Not implemented

Cross-Border Paperless Trade
Laws and regulations for electronic transactions Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Recognised certification authority Not implemented Not implemented Not available Not available Not implemented
Electronic exchange of Customs Declaration* Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Electronic exchange of Certificate of Origin Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Electronic exchange of Sanitary & Phyto-Sanitary Certificate Not implemented Not implemented Not available Not available Not implemented
Paperless collection of payment from a documentary letter of credit* Not implemented Not implemented Not available Not available Not implemented

Transit Facilitation
Transit facilitation agreement(s)* Fully implemented Fully implemented Not available Not available Fully implemented
Limit the physical inspections of transit goods and use risk assessment* Partially implemented Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Supporting pre-arrival processing for transit facilitation Fully implemented Fully implemented Not available Not available Fully implemented
Cooperation between agencies of countries involved in transit Fully implemented Fully implemented Not available Not available Fully implemented

Trade Facilitation for SMEs
Trade-related information measures for SMEs* Not available Do not know Not available Not available Partially implemented
SMEs in AEO scheme* Not available Not implemented Not available Not available Not implemented
SMEs access Single Window* Not available Not implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
SMEs in National Trade Facilitation Committee* Not available Not implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
Other special measures for SMEs Not available Not available Not available Not available Partially implemented

Agricultural Trade Facilitation
Testing and laboratory facilities available to meet SPS of main trading partners* Not available Partially implemented Not available Not available Partially implemented
National standards and accreditation bodies to facilitate compliance with SPS* Not available Do not know Not available Not available Partially implemented
Electronic application and issuance of SPS certificates* Not available Do not know Not available Not available Not implemented
Special treatment for perishable goods Not available Not available Not available Not available Partially implemented

Women in Trade Facilitation
TF policy/strategy to increase women’s participation in trade* Not available Not implemented Not available Not available Not implemented
TF measures to benefit women involved in trade* Not available Not implemented Not available Not available Not implemented
Women membership in the National Trade Facilitation Committee or similar bodies* Not available Not available Not available Not available Partially implemented

Trade Finance Facilitation
Single window facilitates traders access to finance* Not available Not available Not available Not available Not implemented
Authorities engaged in blockchain-based supply chain project covering trade finance* Not available Not available Not available Not available Not implemented
Variety of trade finance services available Not available Not available Not available Not available Partially implemented

Trade Facilitation in Times of Crisis
Agency in place to manage TF in times of crises and emergencies Not available Not available Not available Not available Not implemented
Online publication of emergency TF measures Not available Not available Not available Not available Partially implemented
Coordination between countries on emergency TF measures Not available Not available Not available Not available Fully implemented
Additional trade facilitation measures to facilitate trade in times of emergencies Not available Not available Not available Not available Not implemented
Plan in place to facilitate trade during future crises Not available Not available Not available Not available Fully implemented

Trade Facilitation for E-Commerce
TF measures for cross-border e-commerce* Not available Not available Not available Not available Not implemented

Trade Facilitation and Wildlife Protection
Electronic application, issuance and exchange of eCITES* Not available Not available Not available Not available Not implemented

*) This measure was not included or contained different wording in one or more previous surveys. Click on the asterisk behind the respective measure for more information.
**) Comparing results of the 2021 and 2023 surveys.
++) Additional data

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Major
Ladder

Trade facilitation score of 62.37% (2023)
Transparency: 80%; Formalities: 83.33%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 55.56%; Paperless Trade: 55.56%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 33.33%.

Transparency

Publication of existing import-export regulations on the internet Partially implemented
Stakeholders` consultation on new draft regulations (prior to their finalization) Fully implemented
Advance publication/notification of new trade-related regulations before their implementation Partially implemented
Advance ruling on tariff classification and origin of imported goods Fully implemented
Independent appeal mechanism Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Formalities

Risk management Partially implemented
Pre-arrival processing Fully implemented
Post-clearance audits Fully implemented
Separation of Release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges Fully implemented
Establishment and publication of average release times Partially implemented
TF measures for authorized operators Fully implemented
Expedited shipments Partially implemented
Acceptance of copies of original supporting documents required for import, export or transit formalities Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation

National Trade Facilitation Committee or similar body Fully implemented
National legislative framework and/or institutional arrangements for border agencies cooperation Partially implemented
Government agencies delegating border controls to Customs authorities Not implemented
Alignment of working days and hours with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Partially implemented
Alignment of formalities and procedures with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Paperless Trade

Automated Customs System Fully implemented
Internet connection available to Customs and other trade control agencies Fully implemented
Electronic Single Window System Not implemented
Electronic submission of Customs declarations Partially implemented
Electronic application and issuance of import and export permit Partially implemented
Electronic Submission of Sea Cargo Manifests* Planning stage
Electronic Submission of Air Cargo Manifests Planning stage
Electronic application and issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin Partially implemented
E-Payment of Customs Duties and Fees Partially implemented
Electronic Application for Customs Refunds Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Cross-Border Paperless Trade

Laws and regulations for electronic transactions Partially implemented
Recognised certification authority Not implemented
Electronic exchange of Customs Declaration Partially implemented
Electronic exchange of Certificate of Origin Partially implemented
Electronic exchange of Sanitary & Phyto-Sanitary Certificate Not implemented
Paperless collection of payment from a documentary letter of credit Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Transit Facilitation

Transit facilitation agreement(s)* Fully implemented
Limit the physical inspections of transit goods and use risk assessment* Partially implemented
Supporting pre-arrival processing for transit facilitation* Fully implemented
Cooperation between agencies of countries involved in transit* Fully implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Trade Facilitation for SMEs

Trade-related information measures for SMEs* Partially implemented
SMEs in AEO scheme* Not implemented
SMEs access Single Window* Partially implemented
SMEs in National Trade Facilitation Committee* Partially implemented
Other special measures for SMEs* Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Agricultural Trade Facilitation

Testing and laboratory facilities available to meet SPS of main trading partners* Partially implemented
National standards and accreditation bodies to facilitate compliance with SPS* Partially implemented
Electronic application and issuance of SPS certificates* Not implemented
Special treatment for perishable goods* Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Women in Trade Facilitation

TF policy/strategy to increase women’s participation in trade* Not implemented
TF measures to benefit women involved in trade* Not implemented
Women membership in the National Trade Facilitation Committee or similar bodies* Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Trade Finance Facilitation

Single window facilitates traders access to finance* Not implemented
Authorities engaged in blockchain-based supply chain project covering trade finance* Not implemented
Variety of trade finance services available* Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Trade Facilitation in Times of Crisis

Agency in place to manage TF in times of crises and emergencies* Not implemented
Online publication of emergency TF measures* Partially implemented
Coordination between countries on emergency TF measures* Fully implemented
Additional trade facilitation measures to facilitate trade in times of emergencies* Not implemented
Plan in place to facilitate trade during future crises* Fully implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Trade Facilitation for E-Commerce

TF measures for cross-border e-commerce* Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Trade Facilitation and Wildlife Protection

Electronic application, issuance and exchange of eCITES* Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.
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NOTE    There is no results analysis of survey responses of the selected economy in the year 2021. This may be because there are no survey results available for the selected economy in that year. Please try navigating to the overview of a different year.
NOTE    There is no results analysis of survey responses of the selected economy in the year 2019. This may be because there are no survey results available for the selected economy in that year. Please try navigating to the overview of a different year.
Did you find an inaccuracy and/or would you like to submit an update on implementation of trade facilitation and paperless trade measures in Nicaragua? Please let us know »
Major
Ladder

Trade facilitation score of 55.91% (2017)
Transparency: 80%; Formalities: 70.83%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 55.56%; Paperless Trade: 44.44%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 33.33%.

Transparency

Publication of existing import-export regulations on the internet Partially implemented
Stakeholders` consultation on new draft regulations (prior to their finalization) Fully implemented
Advance publication/notification of new regulations before their implementation Partially implemented
Advance ruling (on tariff classification) Fully implemented
Independent appeal mechanism Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Formalities

Risk management Partially implemented
Pre-arrival processing Fully implemented
Post-clearance audit Fully implemented
Separation of Release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges Fully implemented
Establishment and publication of average release times Not implemented
Trade facilitation measures for authorized operators Partially implemented
Expedited shipments Partially implemented
Acceptance of paper or electronic copies of supporting documents required for import, export or transit formalities Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation

National Trade Facilitation Committee Fully implemented
National legislative framework and institutional arrangement are available to ensure border agencies to cooperate with each other Partially implemented
Government agencies delegating controls to Customs authorities Not implemented
Alignment of working days and hours with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Partially implemented
Alignment of formalities and procedures with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Paperless Trade

Electronic/automated Customs System Fully implemented
Internet connection available to Customs and other trade control agencies at border-crossings Fully implemented
Electronic Single Window System Not implemented
Electronic submission of Customs declarations Partially implemented
Electronic Application and Issuance of import and export permit, if such permit is required Partially implemented
Electronic Submission of Sea Cargo Manifests* Not implemented
Electronic Submission of Air Cargo Manifests Not implemented
Electronic Application and Issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin Not implemented
E-Payment of Customs Duties and Fees Partially implemented
Electronic Application for Customs Refunds Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Cross-Border Paperless Trade

Laws and regulations for electronic transactions Partially implemented
Recognised certification authority Not implemented
Engagement in trade-related cross-border electronic data exchange Partially implemented
Electronic exchange of Certificate of Origin Partially implemented
Electronic exchange of Sanitary & Phyto-Sanitary Certificate Not implemented
Traders in your country apply for letters of credit electronically from banks or insurers without lodging paper-based documents Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Transit Facilitation

Transit facilitation agreement(s) with neighbouring country(ies)* Fully implemented
Customs Authorities limit the physical inspections of transit goods and use risk assessment* Partially implemented
Supporting pre-arrival processing for transit facilitation* Fully implemented
Cooperation between agencies of countries involved in transit* Fully implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Trade Facilitation for SMEs

Government has developed trade facilitation measures that ensure easy and affordable access for SMEs to trade related information* Do not know
Government has developed specific measures that enable SMEs to more easily benefit from the AEO scheme* Not implemented
Government has taken actions to make the single windows more easily accessible to SMEs (e.g., by providing technical consultation and training services to SMEs on registering and using the facility.)* Not implemented
Government has taken actions to ensure that SMEs are well represented and made key members of National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs)* Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Agricultural Trade Facilitation

Testing and laboratory facilities are equipped for compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards in your country* Partially implemented
National standards and accreditation bodies are established for the purpose of compliance with SPS standards in your country* Do not know
Application, verification and issuance of SPS certificates is automated* Do not know
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Women in Trade Facilitation

The existing trade facilitation policy/strategy incorporates special consideration of women involved in trade* Not implemented
Government has introduced trade facilitation measures to benefit women involved in trade* Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.
Compare Nicaragua to other economies or groupings
Did you find an inaccuracy and/or would you like to submit an update on implementation of trade facilitation and paperless trade measures in Nicaragua? Please let us know »
Did you find an inaccuracy and/or would you like to submit an update on implementation of trade facilitation and paperless trade measures in Nicaragua? Please let us know »
Major
Ladder

Trade facilitation score of 53.76% (2015)
Transparency: 73.33%; Formalities: 66.67%; Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation: 55.56%; Paperless Trade: 44.44%; Cross-Border Paperless Trade: 33.33%.

Transparency

Publication of existing import-export regulations on the internet Partially implemented
Stakeholders` consultation on new draft regulations (prior to their finalization) Partially implemented
Advance publication/notification of new regulations before their implementation Partially implemented
Advance ruling (on tariff classification) Fully implemented
Independent appeal mechanism Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Formalities

Risk management Partially implemented
Pre-arrival processing Fully implemented
Post-clearance audit Fully implemented
Separation of Release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges Fully implemented
Establishment and publication of average release times Not implemented
Trade facilitation measures for authorized operators Planning stage
Expedited shipments Partially implemented
Acceptance of paper or electronic copies of supporting documents required for import, export or transit formalities Partially implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation

National Trade Facilitation Committee Fully implemented
National legislative framework and institutional arrangement are available to ensure border agencies to cooperate with each other Partially implemented
Government agencies delegating controls to Customs authorities Not implemented
Alignment of working days and hours with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Partially implemented
Alignment of formalities and procedures with neighbouring countries at border crossings* Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Paperless Trade

Electronic/automated Customs System Fully implemented
Internet connection available to Customs and other trade control agencies at border-crossings Fully implemented
Electronic Single Window System Not implemented
Electronic submission of Customs declarations Partially implemented
Electronic Application and Issuance of import and export permit, if such permit is required Partially implemented
Electronic Submission of Sea Cargo Manifests* Not implemented
Electronic Submission of Air Cargo Manifests Not implemented
Electronic Application and Issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin Not implemented
E-Payment of Customs Duties and Fees Partially implemented
Electronic Application for Customs Refunds Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Cross-Border Paperless Trade

Laws and regulations for electronic transactions Partially implemented
Recognised certification authority Not implemented
Engagement in trade-related cross-border electronic data exchange Partially implemented
Electronic exchange of Certificate of Origin Partially implemented
Electronic exchange of Sanitary & Phyto-Sanitary Certificate Not implemented
Traders in your country apply for letters of credit electronically from banks or insurers without lodging paper-based documents Not implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.

Transit Facilitation

Transit facilitation agreement(s) with neighbouring country(ies)* Fully implemented
Customs Authorities limit the physical inspections of transit goods and use risk assessment* Partially implemented
Supporting pre-arrival processing for transit facilitation* Fully implemented
Cooperation between agencies of countries involved in transit* Fully implemented
*) Not included in calculation of the trade facilitation score.
Compare Nicaragua to other economies or groupings
Did you find an inaccuracy and/or would you like to submit an update on implementation of trade facilitation and paperless trade measures in Nicaragua? Please let us know »