FACILITATING INTRA-OIC TRADE:
Improving the Efficiency of the Customs Procedures in the OIC Member States
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-Single Window
International trade requires many formalities that need to be completed by exporters and
importers. These formalities are implemented by different government agencies. Even
in some of the most trade-friendly countries in Asia, exporting a commodity such as rice
may involve 15 different parties, 24 documents, and about 700 data elements (ADB and
UNESCAP 2013). Exporters, importers or other companies engaged in international
trade such as customs brokers and transport companies need to finish all these
procedures before conducting international trade.
Single window aims at easing the trade and transport procedures implemented by
various agencies by enabling the traders to submit the required information and
documents to a one agency. It is defined by the UN/CEFACT as “a facility that allows
parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardized information and
documents with a single entry point to fulfill all import, export, and transit-related
regulatory requirements”.
To implement the Single Window successfully, enabling environment shall be
developed which include establishment of required legal framework, development of
organization and human resources etc. Strong political will as well as coordination and
cooperation among the relevant border protection agencies are essential. Moreover,
regular consultations shall be conducted with the relevant stakeholders including the
private sector representatives in designing and operating the Single Window.
The RKC does not require the contracting parties to establish their national single
Windows. However the Chapter 3 of the General Annex envisages the declarations to be
submitted to the relevant authorities to be simple.
The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement has more clear provisions on Single Window.
Article 4 of the Agreement is on Single Window. According to the Article, Members
shall establish or maintain single window for enabling traders to submit documentation
and/or data requirements for importation, exportation or transit of goods. Moreover
Members shall, to the extent possible and practical, use information technology to
support the single window according to Article 4.4.
Singapore is one of the countries which is implementing Single Window successfully.
Table 7 gives brief information on Single Window of Singapore, which is called
TradeNet.