Improving Customs Transit Systems
In the Islamic Countries
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5.1.2.1.1 Exchange of information and data protection
The efficient operational cooperation, coordination and exchange of information with other
customs administrations, particularly in neighboring countries it's a crucial element for
management and monitoring of transit operations, together with a communication and
partnership policy with traders and transport operators.
One of the main objectives of the exchange of customs data is the establishment of a common
concept - standard for the electronic and automatic exchange of pre-arrival information in
(near) “real-time” between CAs related to CTR. Taking into account that Customs
Administrations are on a different ICT technological development level (some of MS with
technologically obsolete IT Systems), by means of a different Customs Declaration Processing
Systems, exchange of customs data related to transit is an essential element for CTR – to
harmonize legal and security requirements in transit, establish joint controls, coordinated
border management – one-stop-shop, etc.
5.1.2.1.2 Compliance with international standards
Simplification and harmonization of customs and trade procedures is a core provision of both
the WCO RKC on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures and the WTO
TFA. Specifically, Standard 3.11 of the RKC requires for goods declarations (including transit
declaration) to conform to the UN Layout Key (UNLK) 124 for paper forms or the WCO
Recommendations on electronic messages - WCO Data Model 125. In this regard, the paper and
electronic format of the customs declaration (Single Administrative Document (SAD)) fulfills the
requirements of both the UNLK and the WCO Data Model. In the same manner, Article 10
paragraph 3 of the WTO TFA requires the use of international standards for import, export and
transit formalities, while paragraph 7 provides for common customs procedures and uniform
documentation requirements throughout a Member’s customs territory.
5.1.2.1.3 ICT infrastructure
It is highly recommended for the Customs Declaration Processing System and Single Window to
manage the CTR declaration and support the exchange of information with other CAs. As well,
the CDPS and SW may host, support and manage the systematic exchanges of pre-arrival
information and data between Customs administrations
Such a transit system is also synergistic with the following strategic objectives:
 The use of electronic data interchange (EDI) systems for the collection, processing, and
transmission of transit data;
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