Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
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2. Global Trends and Practice
The SW concept emerged in early 2000 in a context where few public administrations used
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and only limited abilities for electronic data
and information submission existed. 15 years later this has changed. Many governments
worldwide have now implemented a Single Window or are in the process of doing so. Countries
implement Single Windows in different ways and no unique model to follow.
This chapter summarises common trends that shape Single Window developments at the
conceptual and technological level presents three practice cases from non-OIC Member States
that embodies many recent evolutions and best practices. The Ghana and Singapore Single
Window are amongst the earliest Single Windows and are well established. The Czech Republic
SingleWindow is a more recent initiative influenced by the EU regional SingleWindow initiative.
2.1. Current Trends
In the past 15 years, the concept and systems have evolved in response to technological changes
and new political and strategic orientation; IT has become cheaper and more supportive of a
flexible approach for the design and development of the Single Window; the public is more
aware of Single Window approaches; and expectations of faster and more predictable
government services have grown in the context of global supply chains and use of IT in
professional services. These developments have influenced SWs to evolve at the technical,
conceptual, and operational level.
2.1.1. Worldwide Adoption of Single Window Concept
The Single Window concept is still a recent reform initiative but has gained a global expansion
in the past 10 years. The joint United Nations Regional Commission Paperless trade and Trade
Facilitation Survey 201522 identified a SW project or operational SW in 70 out of 119 countries.
These efforts are truly global as Single Window initiatives can be found in Central Asia, East and
South East Asia, West Asia, Africa, and Central and Latin America – see Figure 10 below. Single
Windows are however still rarely to be implemented in island countries, such as the Pacific
Island countries and Caribbean island countries. Although Single Windows are often considered
to be expensive projects, and require a stable countrywide IT networking ad infrastructure
ability, Single Windows are not high-income countries. Low-income and low medium-income
countries also implement Single Windows, often with financial support from external
development partners.
22 UNRCS Paperless Trade and Trade Facilitation Implementation surveys is an initiative launched by the United Nations
Regional Commissions ECE, ECA, ESCWA, ECLAC, and ESCAP in 2010. The latest published reports, the 2015 survey, are
based on data collected in 2014