Improving Customs Transit Systems
In the Islamic Countries
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and resources are shared and that costs are reduced to the minimum for the ASEAN Member
States and Secretariat.
The review report on ACTS Feasibility Study has reached two conclusions, under the assumption
that a number of software components will be provided at no cost to ASEAN by the European
Commission, represented by DG TAXUD. DG TAXUD has agreed to provide the necessary NCTS
specifications and software applications to be implemented in ACTS. It was recommended that
the ACTS system makes use of the ASW network for the transmission of electronic messages
between AMS. There are several different options. The preferred option is for the ACTS and ASW
applications to maintain separate development paths, but for ACTS to make use of the ASW
network for regional communications.
The development of the ACTS pilot system with assistance from DG TAXUD was a genuine
contribution to ASEAN’s efforts to develop the AEC, and to provide a significant opportunity for
EU-ASEAN cooperation on vital trade facilitation matters in the future.
2.2.1.3 CTR Legal framework
The implementation of the ASEAN ACTS is one of the main pillars for transit facilitation transit,
pursuant to the AFAFGIT Protocol 750. This Protocol is the legal basis for the implementation of
ACTS and defines the core elements such as uniform Customs transit declaration/document,
regulated guarantee system, and the management of the transit system. ASEAN Member States
have expressed their determination to increase the use of computerized customs clearance
processes based on international standards for electronic information exchange developed by
the WCO and other relevant international organizations.
ASEAN leaders have decided to create an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015. For this
to be achieved, the highest priority must be given to the free flow of goods in the region,
supported by the establishment of a fully harmonized Customs environment. A key component
of the Customs environment is the development and implementation of an automated Customs
transit management system, the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS), to facilitate regional
trade and act as a catalyst for the necessary reforms.
2.2.1.4 ASEAN Regional Agreement
Under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit (AFAFGIT)
signed on 16 December 1998 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, the Governments of Brunei Darussalam, the
Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic,
Malaysia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of
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