UN CEFACT
For the three pillars - processes, information and technology - that are vital to the development of world trade the web site provides:
- Trade Facilitation Recommendations
- Electronic Business Standards
- Technical Specifications
UN/CEFACT, a United Nations body, has a global remit. It encourages close collaboration between governments and private business to secure the interoperability for the exchange of information between the public and private sector.
UN/CEFACT has developed:
- the UN Layout Key for Trade Documents, which is the foundation for the EU's Single Administrative Document (SAD)
- the UN/EDIFACT international standard for electronic data interchange
- numerous trade facilitation recommendations
UN/CEFACT is now drawing up the next generation of trade facilitation and e-business standards and tools.
UN/CEFACT webpage
www.unece.org/cefact/
UN/CEFACT on single window concept
http://www.unece.org/trade/ctied/ctied7/ece_trade_324e.pdf
UN roadmap for paperless trade www.unece.org/forums/forum05/roadmap/roadmap_oct05.pdf
Presentations from the Single Window Symposium
http://www.unece.org/trade/workshop/sw_2006/presentations.htm
WCO
WCO Trade Facilitation Initiatives and Simplification of Customs Procedure
Trade facilitation is one of the key factors for economic development of nations and links into national agenda on social well being, poverty reduction and economic development of countries and their citizens.
In the context of the international trade environment Customs plays a critical role not only in meeting the goals of the governments but also in ensuring effective controls that secure revenue, compliance with national laws, ensuring security and protection of society. The efficiency and effectiveness of Customs procedures has a significant influence on the economic competitiveness of nations and in the growth of international trade and the development of the global marketplace.
In a highly competitive world environment, international trade and investment will flow toward efficient, supportive and facilitative locations. At the same time it will rapidly ebb away from locations which are perceived by business as bureaucratic and synonymous with high costs. Customs systems and processes must not be allowed to serve or be perceived as a barrier to international trade and growth.
WCO list of topics relevant to e-freight
www.wcoomd.org/ie/En/Topics_Issues/topics_issues.html
Customs and electronic trade
Kyoto ICT Guidelines (PDF)
WCO - Single Window Concept
The European Commission
The European Commission has adopted two proposals to modernise the EU Customs Code and to introduce an electronic, paper-free customs environment in the EU. The first proposal aims to simplify and streamline customs processes and procedures. The second proposal is designed to make Member States' electronic customs systems compatible with each other; introduce EU-wide electronic risk analysis and improve information exchange between frontier control authorities; make electronic declarations the rule; and introduce a centralised customs clearance arrangement. The aim is to increase the competitiveness of companies doing business in Europe, reduce compliance costs and improve EU security.
ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok by the five original Member Countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined on 8 January 1984, Vietnam on 28 July 1995, Laos and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999.
The ASEAN Declaration states that the aims and purposes of the Association are: (i) to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian nations, and (ii) to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries in the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
ASEAn official webpage http://www.aseansec.org
News
"...The Economic Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) signed Friday in Kuala Lumpur three important economic documents including the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) Agreement which is aimed at ensuring faster clearance of goods through the Single Window initiative…" Read the entire article at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-12/09/content_3899027.htm