FACILITATING INTRA-OIC TRADE:

Improving the Efficiency of the Customs Procedures in the OIC Member States

entered into force for those countries. The period is 60 months for the transitional

standards.

As it was discussed earlier, there are many modern techniques and procedures brought

by the RKC which require enabling legal framework. Without adopting new laws or

regulations, implementation of these procedures will not be possible.

It is worth noting that, actions or laws required to increase the standards vary among the

countries. Diagnostic study to be carried out by experienced experts will be an

important tool to determine needs on possible changes or amendments on the existing

laws.

Moreover, the new business environment to be brought will require new institutional

and human resources regulations. As a result, the Customs Legal Framework shall be

developed or amended with a view to provide a modern basis for well-functioning of

the customs procedures.

The European Customs Blueprints is an important reference in designing the legal

framework for customs. The objective of the modern customs defined in the document

is as follows:

“To build a stable and comprehensive legal system which ensures that proper, uniform

and/or harmonised application of national and international customs-related legislation

enhances the powers and penalties available to customs officers, and sets out the

obligations and rights of customs officers, economic operators and the public in a

transparent way.” (European Commission 2007)

Meeting the needs and increasing the standards of customs procedures is a continuous

process. The laws and regulations shall be reviewed regularly in consultation with the

relevant stakeholders to solve the possible obstacles to be faced and to catch up the

global trends.

-Administrative and Institutional Arrangements

Institutional reform of the Customs Administration is also essential for implementing

the reforms. Customs Administration shall be restructured with a view to implement the

new functions. Risk Management, Post Clearance Audit, ICT, Appeals, Human

Resources and International Relations are some of the requirements of the modern

customs which need to be carried out by dedicated units. Moreover, strategic planning,

According to Article 13/4 Management Committee may extend the time period for a country,

if that country has a request before the end of these periods. The requesting country shall

specify the Standard and the reason for such request.