Proceedings of the 13th Meeting of
The COMCEC Trade Working Group
26
filed electronically. Some level of digital infrastructure is required before such a system can
become reality, both in terms of user access to ICTs and the necessary legal framework
covering the use of electronic documents and digital signatures.
Policy Advice 3: Encouraging the development of an effective Advance Ruling System in
order to enhance the certainty and predictability of customs operations
Advance ruling system is a proven trade facilitation tool for both traders and customs
administrations that enhance the certainty and predictability of customs operations.
An advance ruling is binding official advice prior to importation or exportation, issued by a
competent customs authority in writing, which provides the applicant with a time-bound
ruling on the goods to be imported or exported. This ruling enables traders to obtain precise
and binding information in advance of the actual transaction and for analogous ones during a
specified period in future, and processes are often quicker and delays reduced at the time of
clearance of the good in question. Moreover, disputes with the customs authority on tariff,
valuation and origin issues are reduced because the process of deliberation among officials has
taken place before the issuance of the advance ruling. For an effective advance ruling system
clear and robust regulations, and procedures should be in place along with a strong
commitment by the customs administrations. Creating public awareness and knowledge of the
program also enhances the effectiveness of the system.
Policy Advice 4: Promoting integrated Single Windows (SW) Systems and Trade
Information Portals for combining the transaction processing functions of SW Systems
with a comprehensive repository of trade-related laws, regulations, rules and
procedures.
An important principle in the publication of information is its consolidation in one location or
as few locations as possible. Trade Information Portals in this regard serve as a single platform
utilized for aggregating and disseminating all trade-related information of various agencies. On
the other hand, Single Window Systems enable traders to make all trade and customs-related
procedures through a single facility. The responsible body for operating SW systems varies
across the Member Countries. While customs authorities are in charge of operating SW
Systems in many member countries, in some cases Ministry of Economy/ Trade or other
national authorities fulfil this task.
In the post-TFA environment, many developing countries work simultaneously on Single
Windows—preferably virtual—and Trade Information Portals. There is a strong argument for
combining these efforts to produce a single online interface that combines the transaction
processing power of a Single Window with a comprehensive repository of trade-related laws,
regulations, rules, procedures, and documents, as is commonly associated with a TIP. The
synergy between PortNet and TradeSense in Morocco is an example of this process in action.
As a second best, piecemeal online sources can link to other relevant material, so that
navigation is simplified for the trade community.
Policy Advice 5: Leveraging international and regional cooperation and making use of
successful country experiences for promoting trade information availability.