FACILITATING INTRA-OIC TRADE:
Improving the Efficiency of the Customs Procedures in the OIC Member States
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3.1.3. Publication of Information
The traders need to know the customs duties, regulations, formalities, working hours
and other relevant information for clearing the cargo at the customs in a timely manner.
As it is emphasized by the WTO Trade Policy Reviews, the Customs Administrations
of the Member States are complaining about the false or inadequate documents or
information submitted by the traders for cargo clearance.
In order to prevent such circumstances, the customs administrations shall publicize all
the relevant information to the traders, customs agents, brokers, forwarders etc.
However, these information is not publicized effectively by most of the Member States.
Most common way used is publishing circulars, gazettes, newsletters. On the other hand
new regulations, techniques or practices shall be introduced by training seminars,
raising awareness sessions etc.
It is observed that internet and communication technologies are not used effectively by
most of the customs administrations. For example, still some of the customs
administrations do not have a dedicated website such as Chad, Gabon, Libya, Somalia
and Niger are among these countries. On the other hand, websites of the Customs
Administrations of some of the Member States are not functioning effectively.
Most of the Customs Administrations of the Member States have recognized the benefit
of internet technology which facilitates their communication with the relevant
stakeholders. They have established their websites and uploaded regulations, contact
points, developments etc. Moreover, most of them are designed to function in more than
one language such as Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan etc. However, most of these
websites are only functioning in one language. For example, English version of the
Cameroon, Djibouti and Kazakhstan Customs are not working or they are providing
very limited information.
Another problem with the web pages of the Customs is the sustainability. Some of the
internet sites of the Customs are not providing up to date information even in its official
language. For example the announcements, which shall be the main function of the
internet sites are not updated.
Some other customs, despite being updated and functioning properly do not provide
very critical information such as customs formalities, working hours, relevant
documents and fees. For example Bangladesh, Guyana, Mozambique Customs provide
very limited information on their respective internet sites. Despite containing useful
information, it is difficult for the users to find them easily.
On the other hand, some of the Customs in the Member States are using their internet
sites very affectively such as Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and UAE. For example,