FACILITATING INTRA-OIC TRADE:
Improving the Efficiency of the Customs Procedures in the OIC Member States
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Member States give utmost importance to using ICT in customs services. Most of them
have installed ASYCUDA or using their own systems for improving the clearance
process. Moreover, the number of countries using x-ray scanners for physical
investigation increases every year. Importance of internet technology is also
acknowledged by the Customs Administrations of the Member States. Most of them
have established their own internet sites and trying to benefit from its facilities.
On the other hand, modern techniques such as advance rulings, post clearance audit, risk
management, deferred payments and authorized economic operators programs are not
implemented effectively by many Member States. The problems faced in implementing
these procedures are mostly common.
The laws and regulations governing the customs procedures are below the international
standards in many Member States. Some of the Member States did not accede to the
relevant international conventions. For example, only 25 Member States have acceded
to the RKC. The number of acceding countries to other relevant conventions is less. On
the other hand, some of the countries, despite acceding to some of the relevant
international conventions are facing difficulties in fulfilling their obligations.
Publication of up to date relevant information is an important tool of increasing
transparency and predictability. The information publicized not only reduces the
customs clearance process but also increases awareness on the potential traders what to
expect at customs on future trade. Usage of internet technology in publishing the
customs related information increased dramatically by the developed and some
developing countries. However, many Member States do not provide such information
through internet even in local language. Few Member States are using their websites
effectively publish relevant laws, tariffs, procedures, working hours etc. Other types of
ICT could not be used effectively in some of the Member States for example for
electronic submission of declarations, processing, payment etc. Use of single window,
x-ray scanners are expanding among the Member States in recent years.
Appeal procedures, which is an important factor for making the customs administrations
transparent is recognized by the Member States. However, the procedures in some of
the Member States are not compatible with international standards such as RKC and the
new WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Advanced ruling is an instrument for preventing possible delays in clearance process
and a good reference for the traders in estimating their costs. However, it is
implemented by only few Member States.
The rate of physical inspections on the cargo decreased with the use of risk management
techniques in many Member States. In some Member States, the risk management needs
to be improved because the cargo subject to physical inspection is still high. On the
other hand, the number of Member States applying the Authorized Economic Operators