FACILITATING INTRA-OIC TRADE:

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

Designing the Reforms

The reforms shall be designed according to the needs. The modern techniques brought

by the international conventions shall be adopted. Many economists suggest that

comprehensive reforms are more effective than focusing on few problematic areas.

Implementing some of the reforms require amendment on the existing laws or adoption

of new ones. Technical assistance in designing the new laws or the amendments may be

required. In this regard, technical cooperation with the other Member States and

relevant international institutions may be helpful.

Drafting the new laws, regulations or decrees accurately is a critical issue. The new laws

shall be prepared in accordance with the modern standards. Exchange of experience and

technical cooperation among the Customs Administrations of the Member States can

contribute to both designing the laws and reforms as well as implementing the

provisions of new laws.

Moreover, technical assistance from the international institutions such as World Bank,

UN Regional Commissions, WCO and WTO in designing the reforms, preparation of

laws and their implementation will contribute to the success of such reforms. The new

WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement envisages support for capacity building and

technical assistance to the countries acceding to the agreement (Category C

Commitments).

Implementation of the Reforms:

Implementing the reforms require some actions to be taken by the Customs

Administrations. These include:



Political Will:

the reforms shall be supported by the governments. This support

will expedited the adoption of the necessary laws or the amendments on the

existing laws. Moreover, the actions including restructuring the customs, if it

deems necessary, allocation of financial resources, increasing Customs

Administration’s coordination with the relevant authorities can be possible if the

government supports the reforms.



Close Cooperation and Coordination with the Relevant Agencies:

The Customs

Administrations shall work closely with the relevant border protection agencies

for implementing the reforms accurately. Lack of cooperation or conflict of

institutional interests may hamper the success of the reforms. Support of the

Government on the reform and inclusion of the relevant agencies in needs