FACILITATING INTRA-OIC TRADE:
Improving the Efficiency of the Customs Procedures in the OIC Member States
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2.2.4. Use of Information and Communication Technology
Developments in the information and communication Technologies (ICT) during the
past decade had substantial impact on economic and social life. The developments were
mostly introduced by the private sector but then the government agencies began using
ICT in their services. Especially after the introduction of the internet technology in early
1990’s, government agencies mostly in the developed countries and in some developing
ones benefited from this technology in their services. Nowadays, many government
agencies are using ICT or investing for further expanding its network in presenting their
services.
The ICT and the automation may support the entire clearance process - from lodging,
acceptance and processing of cargo and goods declarations for import, export and
transit, payment of applicable duties and taxes, to release of the goods from Customs
control - or only part of it (UNECE 2012). Such benefits have been recognized by many
customs administrations in the last decade. Expansion of the ICT motivated the
Customs Administrations to launch new initiatives in order to reduce clearance time and
cost. Moreover, increasing the revenue collection, fighting the corruption and ensuring
the security, which are common aims of the Customs Administrations have great impact
on taking such decisions.
Development of intergovernmental relations on customs during the last decade has also
contributed to the expansion of ICT initiatives in customs. Capacity building and
experience sharing programs, entry into force of RKC and WTO Trade Facilitation
Agreement are some of the international developments which encouraged the countries
to take necessary actions.
There is no doubt that, there is a growing competition among the countries for exporting
and attracting more FDIs. Therefore, reducing the costs and time in international trade
will continue to be atop of the agenda of the countries and they will continue to take
new initiatives including the ICT in the future.
The Chapter 7 of the RKC is on “Application on Information Technology”. According
to the Chapter, the Customs shall apply information technology to support Customs
operations where it is efficient. The Customs shall use relevant international accepted
standards and conduct consultations with the relevant stakeholders. Moreover according
to the standard 7.4, the national legislations shall provide opportunity for electronic
commerce, electronic as well as paper-based authentication methods and the right of the
Customs to retain information for own use or exchange with other customs
administrations etc.
The ICC Customs Guidelines describes the areas of using automation. According to the
Guidelines, Modern Customs shall use the automation for the following purposes: