FACILITATING INTRA-OIC TRADE:
Improving the Efficiency of the Customs Procedures in the OIC Member States
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The RKC also emphasizes the importance of providing the necessary information to
interested persons as quick as possible. However, it does not envisage establishment of
an enquiry point. Instead, the Customs shall provide the necessary information upon
request according to Chapter 9 of the General Annex.
Some of the customs administrations have established call centers to respond possible
enquiries in a faster way. They are also using the social media effectively for
communication with the traders. On the other hand, most of the customs administrations
do not have such facilities which make it difficult for the traders to get required
information.
-Consultations with relevant stakeholders
The customs procedures, fees and other formalities shall not change very often to avoid
any complexity. The Customs administrations shall hold consultations with the private
sector on proposed amendments to laws or planned changes in procedures in a timely
manner to get their reactions and views. Moreover, the stakeholders shall also be
informed in advance before such changes came into effect. The RKC has provisions on
holding consultations with the stakeholders. For example, according to Chapter 1.3 of
the General Annex of RKC “The Customs shall institute and maintain formal
consultative relationships with the trade to increase co-operation and facilitate
participation in establishing the most effective methods of working commensurate with
national provisions and international agreements.”
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) representing the global business
community has prepared Customs Guidelines which provides the private sectors view
on how the Customs Administrations shall improve the Customs Procedures. The
Guideline number 29 states that an efficient Customs Administration “consults the trade
community systematically, to obtain views on proposed new regulations and
procedures, or amendments to existing requirements, and gives them timely notice of
any changes.
National Trade Facilitation Body if used effectively may provide such opportunity for
the customs administrations to conduct fruitful consultations with the private sector.
-Advance Ruling
According to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, an advance ruling is a written
decision provided by a Member to an applicant prior to the importation of a good
covered by the application that sets forth the treatment that the Member shall provide to
the good at the time of importation. Advance ruling is considered as a crucial
component for ensuring transparency in customs procedures. According to the RKC,
upon a written request, the person shall be notified in writing with the decision in a
timely manner.