Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
1
Executive Summary
The subject of this study is Single Window efforts in OIC Member States. In the past years the
number of Single Windows worldwide has steadily risen and many OIC Member States have set
up or are planning to set up a Single Window for Trade.
Governments set up Single Windows as a trade facilitation tool to simplify import, export and
transit formalities, and to improve processing efficiency and effectiveness. There is not a unique
model to follow and Single Windows are implemented in many different ways. They vary on
many aspects including organizational set up and funding, scope and coverage, and IT
architecture.
This study focuses on the 57 OIC Member States in the Arab, Asian and African region. The intent
of the study is to get an understanding of what is the state of Single Window implementation
today for OIC Member States, what are the characteristics and specificities of these Single
Window initiatives, and what are the actions governments can and should be taking to affect the
success of Single Window over time.
This study looks at data and information in government publications and websites and research
documents and also surveyed government officials and Single Window operators. 60 countries1
were surveyed to understand the details of their Single Window efforts and input was received
from 26 countries.
Single Window Implementation Status in OIC Member States
By the end of 2016, 22 of the 57 OIC Member States have an operational Single Window.
Source: Authors’ compilation from OIC survey data
1 57 OIC Member States and 3 non-OIC Member States
22 MS with
operational
SW
19
5
6
5
35 MS without
SW
No SW
initiative
Informal
vision
Formal
vision
SW Project