Single Window for Foreign Trade in Bolivia

By PPO Abogados

The Bolivian National Customs has started the implementation of the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE), a tool for the electronic processing of authorizations, permits, certifications and approvals required by the various government bodies to carry out import and export operations. The software developed for the VUCE ensures that the various procedures are technically and legally secure by providing for digital signature and online payment.

Until now, importers and exporters took between 10 days and three months to obtain all the necessary documents for an Export Goods Declaration or an Import Goods Declaration. With the VUCE, this time will be significantly reduced.

The VUCE offers multiple benefits for foreign trade operators. It serves as the single entry point for information, optimizes and digitizes processes, enhances transparency in interactions among involved parties, allows for traceability of operations, reduces costs, and facilitates information interoperability between entities. Additionally, payments can be made through an electronic payment gateway, representing a significant advance in transparency and security.

The VUCE consists of several modules:

-Imports: Electronic processing of prior licensing (non‑automatic licences) and import registration (automatic licences).
-Exports: Electronic processing of prior authorizations for export.
-Single Foreign Trade Form:  Electronic processing for prior registration with the various bodies. 
-Common: Specifies the procedure in question and standardizes product information.
-Details: Specific information of particular interest to each body.

The decision to finally apply the VUCE in Bolivia was taken in order to put an end to the existing system, under which the various bodies involved in foreign trade formalities operated without any coordination, limitations or common approach, following different lines of procedures.