FACILITATING INTRA-OIC TRADE:
Improving the Efficiency of the Customs Procedures in the OIC Member States
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-Cooperation among the government agencies
Customs Administration is applying not only its procedures but sometimes responsible
for the implementation of the decisions of other government entities. In some cases, the
relevant ministries or agencies are making their own controls at customs. Therefore,
reforms in customs procedures shall be carried out in consultation with these relevant
agencies. Many of the measures such as single window, risk management etc. requires
this cooperation.
Cooperation among these agencies shall be handled in a systematic manner not only
before taking decisions but also during the implementation phase for evaluating the
performance.
-Cooperation with the trading community
Many reforms need to be well understood by the trading community so as to improve
the performance of customs formalities. Consultations before the introduction of the
reforms as well as trainings and raising awareness sessions are crucial. Furthermore,
evaluation of the trading community on the newly introduced programs shall be taken
into consideration.
Some of the countries have established their Trade Facilitation Bodies which meet
regularly and act as a consultative organ in discussing the obstacles as well as the
impact of the applied measures. Trade Facilitation Bodies, which bring together the
stakeholders from both the private sector and the government side is an important
option for ensuring cooperation with the trading community on customs issues. On the
other hand, in many countries, consultations are made with the trading community if it
deems necessary for the customs administration. Such consultations or cooperation are
conducted through organizing meetings.
-International cooperation
International cooperation on customs matters between the countries has expanded
dramatically over the last two decades. Countries engage in international cooperation
through bilateral, regional and multilateral relations. Improving the efficiency of the
customs procedures are mostly in focus.
In the area of “Bilateral Cooperation”, technical cooperation and mutual recognition
are highly emphasized by many countries. The issue is also considered as one of the
topics in the new generation Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Many FTAs especially the
ones initiated by the US and the EU have provisions on customs formalities. For
example Chapter 5 of the US-Oman FTA is on “Customs Administration”. The articles
under Chapter 5 include publication, advance ruling, appeal, risk assessment etc.
Similarly, the Chapter 6 of the EU-Korea FTA is on “Customs and Trade Facilitation”.