Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
1
Executive Summary
The subject of this study is Single Window efforts in OIC Member States. The number of Single
Windows in OIC Member States has steadily risen, as many OIC Member States have set up a
Single Window for Trade in the past seven years.
Governments set up Single Windows as a trade facilitation tool to simplify import, export and
transit formalities, and to improve processing efficiency and effectiveness. There is not a
unique model to follow and Single Windows are implemented in many different ways. They
vary on many aspects including organizational set up and funding, scope and coverage, and IT
architecture.
This study focuses on the 57 OIC Member States in the Arab, Asian and African region. The
intent of the study is to get an understanding of what is the state of Single Window
implementation today for OIC Member States, what are the characteristics and specificities of
these Single Window initiatives, and what are the actions governments can and should be
taking to affect the success of Single Window over time.
This study looks at data and information in government publications and websites and
research documents and also surveyed government officials and Single Window operators. 60
countries1 were surveyed to understand the details of their Single Window efforts and input
was received from 26 countries.
Single Window Implementation Status in OIC Member States
Single Window progress in OIC member States is still mixed: 40% have a Single Window and
45% don’t and don’t have a formal plan to set up one in near future.
By the end of 2016, 23 of the 57 OIC Member States have an operational Single Window. The
number of Single Windows in OIC Member States has significantly increased in the past five
years. The majority of the 23 Single Windows became operational in the past five years. Five
Single Windows however are now operational for ten years or more years – Cameroon,
Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, and Tunisia.
34 OIC Member States do not have an operational Single Window yet. Four of these 34 States
are currently implementing a Single Window project and are expected to launch their Single
Windows in near future. Six OIC Member States have a formally adopted Single Window
strategy. In 24 OIC Member States there is no Single Window initiative yet
1 57 OIC Member States and 3 non-OIC Member States