Facilitating Trade:
Improving Customs Risk Management Systems
In the OIC Member States
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5 OIC Country Case Studies
5.1 CRM in Turkey Customs Administration (TCA)
The Republic of Turkey, a trade and transit gateway between Asia and Europe is facing heavy
trade and transport loads and has to take all measures to prevent hindering of international
trade and transportation. In total, Turkey has 76 BCPs, 14 seaports, 35 airports and 27 road
BCPs.
Turkish Customs Administration is continuously improving its legal, technical and
administrative infrastructure aiming for better service to the trade community, uniform
implementation of customs legislation, more effective tax collection and selective but more
effective customs control based on CRM.
The TCA’s Mission and vision reads: "To generate, enforce and supervise the policies and
practices promoting competition, entrepreneurship and economic growth in the realms of
customs and trade; reinforcing the corporate structures of market actors; safeguarding
producers and consumers; and rendering effective, rapid and human-oriented services." - "with
the innovative approaches and implications to make our country the place where the easiest and
safest trade is performed" notes important aspects of the continuous development of the CRMS
systems based on innovative approaches and ensuring preformation of the trade facilitation as
easiest and safe trade.”65
Automated computerized customs procedures first began in 1998 at Atatürk Airport Customs
Directorate, which was chosen as the pilot site for automation. At the beginning of 2000, the
contract for deployment of the computerized system was signed. The modernization studies
have continued since then, and as of 2007, 18 Regional Directorates and 109 Customs
Directorates have been automated. Currently, more than 99 % of all customs declarations are
carried out in an electronic environment66.
The Customs Declaration Processing System (CDPS) is called BILGE, which is the abbreviated
form of Computerized Customs Activities in Turkish. BILGE is an easy-to-use modular CDPS that
enables the control of goods based on risk analysis from the time they enter the customs area
until they are released.
5.1.1 Various Aspects of Risk Management Implementation in TCA
5.1.1.1 Evolution of CRM in TCA
Until 2011 the TCA was organized as a Undersecretariat of Turkey Customs Administration. In
2011 the Undersecretariat merged with some domestic trade units and formed the newMinistry
of Customs and Trade. This Ministry became responsible for preparation and implementation of
customs related policies, effective implementation of customs procedures while observing
determined standards, identification of fundamental commercial aims and preparation of the
Commerce Policy.
5.1.2 Organization of CRM in TCA
The organizational chart of the Turkish Ministry of Customs and Trade is presented i
The Directorate General of Risk Management and Control is positioned under the Deputy
Undersecretary. This Directorate General is responsible for facilitation of customs procedures
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66 Matra Pre-accession Projects Programme (MPAP)