Single Window For Trade

The phrase “Single Window” (also called “Single Window for Trade)” is being used to denote a wide range of various platforms, systems, and environments, and its use is not just in the context of trading.

The description of an SW supplied by UNECE Recommendation No. 33 is the most frequently used. The SW is described as “a facility that permits parties engaged in trade and transport to file regulated information and documents with a single entry point to satisfy all import-, export-, and transit-related regulatory procedures.” Individual data pieces should only be submitted once if the material is electronic.

The overarching theme of these advancements is the establishment of a Single Window for Trade to facilitate information interchange for trade-related processes such as obtaining licenses and permits, certifications and essential approvals, customs clearance, and port exit.

The common thread among these developments is the creation of a Single Window that enables information sharing for trade-relevant processes like obtaining licenses and permits, certificates and necessary approvals, customs clearance, and port exit between traders and government agencies as well as within government agencies.

For traders, single windows provide a solitary point of entry and submission for trade-relevant data, as well as more effective and quicker processing in a paperless setting.

Use the phrase “Single Window” only when the platform:

suggests a data exchange between government agencies and business people, such as traders,
has been charged by the government with carrying out these regulatory duties relating to trade and transportation. (*)
if it adheres to formality and regulatory standards;

As a tool for trade facilitation, single windows

A single window can be a useful instrument for facilitating trading. All of the WTO’s members are encouraged to establish Single Windows under the Trade Facilitation Agreement. (Art. 10.4) The usage of a national Single Window is also supported by the International Chamber of Commerce Custom Guidelines 2012, and the WCO has produced instructions on how to set one up.

Single Windows as a trade facilitation tool

A Single Window for Trade can be an important trade facilitation tool. The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement encourages all its members to set up a Single Window for Trade. (Article 10.4). The International Chamber of Commerce Custom Guidelines 2012 also supports the use of a national Single Window and the WCO developed guidelines on how to set up a Single Window for trade.

A Single Window Trade project can realize the following advantages if well executed;

For the entire government: a rise in tax income, increased regulation compliance, more effective resource allocation, improved trade statistics,
Faster clearance times, a more transparent, predictable process, and less bureaucracy are all benefits for economic actors like dealers.
For a government organization like Customs: increased revenue from customs, a better organized and controlled work environment, and increased professionalism.
Because there are fewer opportunities for direct contact, there is better governance and less corruption in the entire national economy.

In fact, this system was so helpful to the Korean customs service. The introduction of the single window for trade brought 18 million USD in benefits in the year 2010 when they realized an overall benefit of up to 3.47 billion USD from their customs trade facilitation efforts.

In Singapore, the National Single Window for Trade is called TradeNet. About 35 border agencies were brought together which lead to an enormous gain in government productivity. Singapore customs claims that for every 1 USD earned in customs, it spends 1 cent – a profit margin of 9,900%(*).

Single Window for Trade – 4 Amazing Economic Impacts