This indicator examines the cumulative hours required for businesses to fulfill documentary obligations mandated by various governmental agencies across the exporting, importing, and transit nations. It reflects the intricate connection between regulatory environments and trade facilitation, showcasing the pressure exporters face from complex compliance procedures. By quantifying the time spent meticulously preparing essential documents—including permits, certificates, and customs declarations—the indicator highlights inefficiencies in cross-border logistics. Furthermore, it underscores the impact of bureaucratic hurdles on trade competitiveness, as longer documentary compliance times can delay the movement of goods, increase overall costs, and impede businesses' ability to react swiftly to market demands, ultimately shaping global trade dynamics. Source: