Enhancing Public Availability of Customs Information
In the Islamic Countries
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10. Complete the development of NTFCs and engage in dialogue with the private sector to
identify the priorities for public information availability.
11. Work within NTFCs to develop TIPs and other online resources, including electronic
Single Windows, that provide access to the rules and regulations governing trade
procedures, key documents and forms, and applied tariff rates.
12. Use TIPs and electronic Single Windows to facilitate online trade procedures in so far as
possible, including for inquiries related to trade procedures, as well as fees and duties,
and for advance rulings.
13. Within the above framework, develop a realistic level of ambition for TFA
implementation over the medium term, emphasizing Category A and B notifications,
with a minimum of material in Category C.
14. Develop institutional and governance structures so that more advanced aspects like
advance rulings and appeal procedures can be implemented in greater breadth and
depth over time.
Arab Group
15. Within NTFCs, involve the whole trade community in efforts improve public information
availability
16. Mobilize the private sector and fully involve them in developing cost effective solutions
for information availability. The scope of this commitment should be broad, including
traders and import/export professionals to financial services providers.
17. Within the above framework, make full use of ICTs to offer high quality solutions for
reducing informational trade costs. A key development is provision of an integrated TIP
and Single Window system.
18. Ensure that online solutions provide access to trade-related rules and regulations, as
well as applied fees and duties, and key documents and forms. Ideally, the information
portal should be integrated with an electronic Single Window to provide for online
submission of trade-related documentation, processing of financial transactions, and
inquiries related to trade as well as requests for advance rulings.
19. Leverage trade agreements to promote increased transparency and technology
upgrading in terms of information availability and automation of border procedures.
20. Treat the TFA as a minimum benchmark for trade facilitation performance, and focus on
moving closer to global best practice. Key areas for improvement include appeal
procedures and advance rulings, as well as in some cases the user friendliness and
completeness of online resources.
Asian Group
21. Develop the legal infrastructure required to ensure that all border agencies and
supporting structures are obliged to make coordinated efforts to implement an effective
information system.
22. Within the framework of TFA implementation, work with international agencies like the
World Bank as well as major donors, to leverage international technical assistance and
financial resources to support the use of technology in supporting information
dissemination.
23. Work to develop an integrated TIP and Single Window system. Online information
availability should cover trade-related rules and regulations, applied rates of fees and
duties, and key documents and forms. Integration of the information portal with
transaction processing capabilities should be pursued, as should the use of online
inquiry points, and the use of online forms for submitting requests for advance rulings.