Single Window System
Encyclopedia
The single-window system is a trade facilitation
idea. As such, the implementation of a single window system enables international (cross-border) traders to submit regulatory documents at a single location and/or single entity. Such documents are typically customs declarations, applications for import/export permits, and other supporting documents such as certificates of origin and trading invoices.
The main value proposition for having a single window for a country or economy is to increase the efficiency through time and cost savings for traders in their dealings with various government authorities for obtaining the relevant clearance and permit(s) for moving cargoes across national or economic borders. In a traditional pre-single-window environment, traders may have had to contend with visits and dealings with multiple government agencies in multiple locations in order to obtain the necessary papers, permits and clearance in order to complete their import or export processes.
There is no single definitive viewpoint of what a single window system should be. A common definition of the term "single window" is:
The concept is recognised and promoted by several world organisations that are concerned with trade facilitation
. Among these are the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and its Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT
), World Customs Organisation (WCO), SITPRO Limited
of the United Kingdom and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The diagram below illustrates an example of an implementation of a Single Window system within a country or economy.
Trade facilitation
Trade facilitation looks at how procedures and controls governing the movement of goods across national borders can be improved to reduce associated cost burdens and maximise efficiency while safeguarding legitimate regulatory objectives...
idea. As such, the implementation of a single window system enables international (cross-border) traders to submit regulatory documents at a single location and/or single entity. Such documents are typically customs declarations, applications for import/export permits, and other supporting documents such as certificates of origin and trading invoices.
The main value proposition for having a single window for a country or economy is to increase the efficiency through time and cost savings for traders in their dealings with various government authorities for obtaining the relevant clearance and permit(s) for moving cargoes across national or economic borders. In a traditional pre-single-window environment, traders may have had to contend with visits and dealings with multiple government agencies in multiple locations in order to obtain the necessary papers, permits and clearance in order to complete their import or export processes.
There is no single definitive viewpoint of what a single window system should be. A common definition of the term "single window" is:
- "A facility that allows parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardized information and documents with a single entry point to fulfill all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements. If information is electronic then individual data elements should only be submitted once."http://www.wcoomd.org/ie/wto/Single%20Window%20Concept.pdf
The concept is recognised and promoted by several world organisations that are concerned with trade facilitation
Trade facilitation
Trade facilitation looks at how procedures and controls governing the movement of goods across national borders can be improved to reduce associated cost burdens and maximise efficiency while safeguarding legitimate regulatory objectives...
. Among these are the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and its Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT
UN/CEFACT
UN/CEFACT is an organisation that makes international EDI Electronic Data Interchange standards for electronic trade documents in XML format.- UN/CEFACT History, A UN mission to support trade:...
), World Customs Organisation (WCO), SITPRO Limited
SITPRO Limited
SITPRO Limited was a UK non-departmental public body that was constituted as a limited company and was focused on the removal of barriers to international trade through the simplification and harmonisation of trade procedures. Based in London, SITPRO was dedicated to encouraging and helping...
of the United Kingdom and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The diagram below illustrates an example of an implementation of a Single Window system within a country or economy.
Benefits
A single window service aims to deliver specific benefits to the main communities and stakeholders in cross-border trade.- Government
- Customs
- Permit-issuing agencies
- Ministries
-
- Ministries (and other trade monitoring bodies) may be able to obtain cross-border trade related data and statistics in a comprehensive and timely manner from the single window service provider
- Shipping and forwarding community
- Ship arrival notice
- IMO FAL forms:
- 1. General declaration
- 3. Ship's stores declaration
- 4. Crew's effects declaration
- 5. Crew list
- 6. Passenger list
- Electronic ship clearance
- Shippers and traders
- Banking and insurance community
Documents
- UNECE brochure on the Single Window concept
- UN/CEFACT Recommendation No. 33 – Recommendation and Guidelines on establishing a Single Window
- The World Customs Organisation (WCO) perspective on the Single Window Concept
- UK SITPRO ITSW Information-http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/customs/policy_issues/e-customs_initiative/ind_projects/SWannexVIII.pdf