Saint Lucia

10.2 - Acceptance of copies

Articles	10.2.1 – 10.2.2 – 10.2.3 View measure text
Indicative date of implementation	30 April 2020
Definitive date of implementation	30 June 2024
Extension of time	Request received 29 August 2022 Original definitive date 31 December 2022 New date requested 30 June 2024 Date approved 30 June 2024 Reason Saint Lucia’s attempts to secure the required technical assistance and support to undertake the diagnostic assessment and prepare the legislative framework for the implementation of this provision continues to be unsuccessful. Committee approval: Approved Link to notification G/TFA/N/LCA/1/Add.3
Assistance required for implementation	• Conduct a Diagnostic Assessment of the existence and usage of policies and legislations with regards to Acceptance of Copies across all border and regulatory agencies with a view to updating and developing the appropriate instrument in keeping with international standards. Tags: Legislative and regulatory framework, Diagnostic and Needs Assessment
Donor / Agency	World Bank
Progress reported	11 December 2025 — G/TFA/N/LCA/5/Rev.1 The Electronic Transactions Act (2011) allows for the acceptance of electronic copies by Border Regulatory Agencies (BRAs). Most documentary requirements are accepted electronically, however some exceptions include certain Origin and Health Certificates. It is anticipated that with the expansion of the coverage of the automated E-Phyto and GEMS platform, that the number of instances where an original health certificate or phytosanitary certificate is required will be reduced significantly. It is recognized that the current requirement for the submission of some hard copy documents, in addition to electronic document submission, can be enhanced to be in alignment with international standards. The Customs and Excise Department has therefore commenced a series of initiatives aimed at introducing paperless transactions in the cargo clearance process. It is envisaged that this can be addressed under the technical support provided by the WBG under Article 7.4 Risk Management (see above) and 10.4 Single Window (see below) and this will include the need for an element of business process re-engineering. It is anticipated that full alignment can be achieved by June 2028.