Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
18
value chains or regional production networks with their specialized products and services. Not
tariffs but non-tariff measures, including border controls, administrative procedures and
documentary requirements, constitute barriers to compete in international trade. Because these
barriers increase costs, time and delays they limit the ability to integrate into global value chains
and attract foreign investments.
An OECD study found that harmonizing trade documents, streamlining trade procedures,
making trade-related information available and using automated processes could reduce total
trade costs by 14.5% for low-income countries, 15.5% for lower-middle-income countries and
13.2% for upper-middle-income countries13.
Figure 8: Single Window Impacts
Source: Authors’ own compilation
1.4. Single Window Implementation Process
Single Window initiatives are complex and lengthy projects. A project involves many different
political and technical actors and requires activities of a different nature, including IT design and
coding, business process analysis, legal assessment and drafting, and data harmonisation and
simplification.
1.4.1. Gradual Implementation
Single Windows are often rolled out in phases, gradually increasing the capacity and
functionalities of the Single Window over time. Three different scalability approaches can be
observed.
1. Scaling existing functionalities/services
The objective is to offer the services to a board number of users and to integrate all relevant
government agencies into existing business processes and services. It consists of
13 OECD, Contribution of trade facilitation measures to the operation of supply chains (OECD, 2014)
(TAD/TC/WP(2014)25/FINAL)