Single Window Systems

In the OIC Member States

Conclusion and Recommendations

At the end of 2016, 23 OIC Member States have an operational national Single Window and

four are implementing a Single Window project. This is a significant increase in number in six

years. At the beginning of 2010 only seven Single windows were operational. More OIC

Member States may launch Single Window projects in near future - six have already adopted a

formal Single Window plan/strategy and five have started discussions and exploratory work

on the issue.

This study shows that OIC Member States have to address various challenges when

implementing the Single Window concept. Successful Single Window initiatives that deliver a

trade facilitation impact depend on enabling conditions to be in place and appropriate policy

and management choices.

The surveys and case studies of this study helped to better understand the challenges faced by

OIC Member States. This chapter presents general success factors, and challenges, and policy

options that can impact Single Window efforts. It also formulates recommendations to assist

the OIC and its Member countries to develop successful national Single Windows and foster

cross-border and regional Single Window initiatives.

5.1

General success factors

Single Windows operate in a specific political, legal and institutional environment that impacts

the design and delivery of a Single Window project. There is no one single or one-size-fits all

models that governments could follow and adopt as each Single Window is tailored to the

specific national context. Whichever path a country chooses success factors can determine the

impact of a Single Window project. These general success factors are:

Political support and will

This is necessary to achieve cross-government adherence necessary. Single Window

entities do not have executive powers and depend on regulatory decisions by the

Government. Cross-government support to the Single Window vision needs to be mobilised

prior to launching the project.

Enabling legal framework

This includes both a framework for the use of e-documents and signature, and the

regulatory framework applying to cross-border trade. Going paperless has a significant

impact on cutting down times. Supporting a paperless environment is not difficult from a

technological point of view, but is often limited for legal reasons. The cross-border trade

regulatory framework has to be streamlined and simplified to remove redundant and

obsolete provisions and enable more efficient processing.

Solid business model and allocation of resources