Article Resources
Section I
Article 1- Publication and Availability of Information
GENERAL GUIDELINES
UNCTAD - Technical Note on Publication - TN/TF/01 (2014)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 9 (Information, Decisions and Rulings Supplied by Customs) Standard(s) 9.1, 9.2, 9.3
WCO - Transparency and Predictability Guidelines
WCO - Recommendation (1999) on the Use of World Wide Web sites by Customs administrations
WCO - Recommendation (2001) on the application of HS Committee Decisions
WCO - Revised Arusha Declaration
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Jamaica - Jamaica's Trade Information Portal (2019)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this proposal regulate?
The types of information that governments publish, and the manner of publication
Which authorities are directly concerned?
• Executive Authority
• All border agencies
• Trade Authority
• Revenue Authority
• Agency responsible for information management
What are the new requirements?
• Members shall publish the general trade-related information listed in the proposal
• Members shall publish such information "promptly" and in a "non-discriminatory and easily accessible manner" that will allow other governments, traders and interested persons to become acquainted with them.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
UNCTAD - Technical Note on Information available through internet - (TN/TF/11) (2014)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 9 (Information, Decisions and Rulings Supplied by Customs) Standard(s) 9.1, 9.2, 9.3
WCO - Transparency and Predictability Guidelines
WCO - Recommendation (1999) on the Use of World Wide Web sites by Customs administrations
WCO - Recommendation (2001) on the application of HS Committee Decisions
World Bank - Developing a Trade Information Portal
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Australia - How to Import (2019)
Botswana - Making Cross-Border Trade Easier - Smart Lessons Case Study Competition Finalist (2016)
Canada - Guide on importing Commercial Goods into Canada (2019)
Norway - Import Guide for Beginners (2018)
Norway - Case Study on Publication and Information
Switzerland - Swiss Customs (2019)
Switzerland - Importation into Switzerland (2019)
Switzerland - Exportation from Switzerland (2019)
Switzerland - Transit Through Switzerland (2019)
United Kingdom - Starting to Import (2019)
USA - Introduction to the CBP Import Process (2019)
USA - Importing into the United States (2006) *For other US CBP Informed Compliance Publications view here
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
The information a government provides to the public regarding import, export and transit procedures, and the manner by which it is provided
Which authorities are directly concerned?
• Executive Authority
• All border agencies
• Trade Authority
• Agency responsible for information management, including government websites
What are the new requirements?
• Members shall prepare practical guides to their import, export, and transit procedures including appeal procedures
• Members shall publish on the internet:
(i) the practical guides,
(ii) the forms and documents required for import, export or transit,
(iii) relevant trade laws (where possible), and
(iv) the enquiry point contact information.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
UNCTAD - Technical Note on Enquiry Points - TN/TF/06 (2014)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 7 (Application of Information Technology) 5.8 of Guidelines: How to set up a customs help desk
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 9 (Information, Decisions and Rulings Supplied by Customs) Standard(s) 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8
WCO - Transparency and Predictability Guidelines
WTO - TBT Enquiry Point Guide (2019)
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
The means by which an individual trader, a government, or any other interested person can obtain specific information from a Member about import, export or transit requirements.
Which authorities are directly concerned?
• Executive authority
• All border agencies
• Trade Authority
What are the new requirements?
• A Member shall establish one or more "enquiry points" to respond to "reasonable" questions about the matters listed in Article 1.1, and to requests for required forms and documents.
• If a member of a customs union or involved in regional integration, a Member may opt to participate in a regional enquiry point, rather than establishing a national enquiry point.
• The Member shall respond to such enquires and requests within a "reasonable" time.
• Members are encouraged not to charge fees for answering basic enquiries. Any fees charged for enquiries or for providing forms or documents shall be limited to the approximate cost incurred.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 9 (Information, Decisions and Rulings Supplied by Customs) Standard(s) 9.1, 9.2, 9.3
WCO - Recommendation (1999) on the Use of World Wide Web sites by Customs administrations
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
No case studies at this time. To suggest or submit a case study, please contact us
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Communications to/from the WTO Committee on Trade Facilitation
Which authorities are directly concerned?
• The government authority responsible for WTO notifications (e.g., the trade authority or foreign affairs ministry)
What are the new requirements?
• A Member shall provide the Committee with the names of the official publications and the address(es) of the website(s) where the information required by Article 1.1 and 1.2 has been published
• A Member shall provide the Committee with the contact details of its enquiry point(s)
Article 2- Comment and Consultation
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 1 (General Principles) Standard(s) 1.3
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 9 (Information, Decisions and Rulings Supplied by Customs) Standard(s) 9.2
WCO - Customs-Business Partnership Guidance 2015
WCO - Model Business Lens Checklist for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises 2014
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Canada - Business Lens Checklist
Canada - Guidelines for Effective Regulatory Consultations (2007)
Canada - Supporting private sector engagement – the CBSA’s stakeholder engagement model
Chile - Initiatives of Chilean Customs
European Union - Stakeholder Consultation Guidelines (2014)
Switzerland - Stakeholder Involvement (2019)
Ukraine - Public Consultations on Draft Legislation
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
The process by which national trade legislation is made. This includes the process for enacting laws on trade-related matters by the national legislative body (congress, parliament, legislature, etc.) as well as secondary legal acts (regulations, rules, orders, etc.) issued by executive or administrative bodies.
Which authorities are directly concerned?
•All border agencies
•Trade Authority
•Executive Authority
•Legislative Authority
What are the new requirements?
•Traders and other interested parties must be given an opportunity and reasonable time to comment on proposals for new trade-related and customs laws and administrative regulations, as well as any amendments thereto.
•New or amended laws and regulations must be made publicly available, as early as possible before their entry into force.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 1 (General Principles) Standard(s) 1.3
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 7 (Application of Information Technology)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 9 (Information, Decisions and Rulings Supplied by Customs) Standard(s) 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8
WCO - Customs-Business Partnership Guidance 2015
WCO - Model Business Lens Checklist for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises 2014
WCO - SAFE Framework of Standards 2018
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Canada - Business Lens Checklist
Canada - Supporting private sector engagement – the CBSA’s stakeholder engagement model
Chile - Initiatives of Chilean Customs
New Zealand - Border Sector Industry Stakeholder Forum
Poland - ‘Customs-for-business’ – a new level of ambition for Poland’s Customs Service (2014)
USA - Co-Creation
USA - Commercial Operation Advisory Committee
USA - Bi-Directional Education
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
The process by which border agencies obtain the views of traders and other stakeholders on matters affecting them
Which authorities are directly concerned?
• All border agencies
What are the new requirements?
Border agencies must hold "regular consultations" with traders and stakeholders.
Article 3- Advance Rulings
GENERAL GUIDELINES
UNCTAD - Technical Note: Advance rulings (TN/TF/22)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 9 (Information, Decisions and Rulings Supplied by Customs) Standard(s) 9.9
WCO - Technical Guidelines on Advance Rulings for Classification, Origin, and Valuation 2018
WCO - Diagnostic Tool on Tariff Classification, Valuation and Origin Work and Related Infrastructure / Guidelines on Customs Infrastructure for Tariff Classification, Valuation and Origin (The Diagnostic Tool and the Guidelines are only available on the WCO Members' Website
WCO - Practical Guidelines for Valuation Control (This tool is only available on the WCO Members’ Website)
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Australia - Australia's Experience with Advance Rulings (2019)
Australia - Trade Facilitation Best Practices in Use of Advance Rulings
Australia - Advance Rulings- Australian Border Force (2012)
Canada - Advance Rulings for Tariff Classification (2019)
France - The Binding Origin Information (BOI)
Japan - Advance Ruling on Origin (The WCO Origin Conference 2014)
Liberia - Implementing Advance Tariff Rulings
Philippines - Advance rulings from the Bureau of Customs and the Tariff Commission (2017)
Singapore - Statement on Advance Rulings (2018)
Singapore - Application for Customs Ruling on Classification of Goods (2019)
Trinidad and Tobago - Advance rulings (PPT)
Trinidad and Tobago - Advance rulings
USA - Best Practices in Use of Advance Rulings
USA - USAID Advance Ruling Guide
USA - What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: U.S. Customs & Border Protection Rulings Program (2009)
OTHER
NAFTA - Advance Ruling Procedures (NAFTA)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
The means by which a trader can obtain reliable "binding" information about the tariff classification, origin, or other customs treatment of his goods before he imports them
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
What are the new requirements?
• Customs shall provide a written ruling on request of a trader concerning the tariff classification or origin of his goods (or any other matters described in paragraph 9(b) prior to their importation)
• The ruling shall be binding on Customs and remain valid for a reasonable period of time
• A trader shall have rights to be notified if Customs takes certain actions adverse to his interests (such as a refusal to issue a ruling or a decision to revoke or modify a ruling)
• Customs must publish certain information about the ruling process
Article 4- Procedures for Appeal or Review
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 10 (Appeals Customs Matters)
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Albania - Appeals in application of the customs code (2019)
Bangladesh - Appeal Process (2016)
Chile - Tax and Customs Tribunals (TCT)
Ireland - Customs Appeals (2019)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
The rights of traders to obtain review and correction of decisions made by Customs officials or officials of other border agencies
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
• Other border agencies (encouraged to)
What are the new requirements?
Members shall provide traders with the right to appeal decisions made by Customs in an administrative and/or judicial proceeding.
Article 5- Impartiality, Non-discrimination & Transparency
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 6 (Customs Control) Standard(s) 6.3, 6.4, 6.7
WCO - SAFE Framework of Standards 2018
WCO - Customs Risk Management Compendium General
WCO - Customs Risk Management Compendium Volume 1
WCO – Risk Management Compendium Volume 2 (Volume 2 is only available on the WCO Members’ Website)
WCO - Single Window Compendium Volume 1 For Executives/Senior Management
WCO - Single Window Compendium Volume 2 For Technical Experts
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
European Union - Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) (2005)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Disciplines on any system of issuing notifications or guidance to concerned authorities to enhance controls and inspections on imported goods, particularly food products, beverages and feedstuffs
What authorities are directly concerned?
• All border agencies
What are the new requirements?
• For countries that have such a system, the conditions under which notifications or guidance may be made and maintained on the system, and the actions taken as a consequence of the notification or guidance, shall be subject to certain disciplines
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.36
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 6 (Customs Control) Standard(s) 6.1
WCO - Guideline to RKC Specific Annex H – Chapter 1 (Guidelines on Customs Offences) Standard(s) 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
WCO - Customs Risk Management Compendium General
WCO - Customs Risk Management Compendium Volume 1
WCO – Risk Management Compendium Volume 2 (Volume 2 is only available on the WCO Members’ Website)
Compendium of Customs Operational Practices for Enforcement and Seizures (COPES) (The Compendium is only available on the WCO Members’ Website)
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
The "detention" of goods declared for importation by Customs or other border authority (e.g., health, safety, agriculture, etc.) for purposes of conducting an inspection
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
• Other Border Agencies
What are the new requirements?
• If Customs or other border authority detains imported goods for inspection, it shall inform promptly the carrier, the importer or his agent (such as the customs broker, acting on the importer’s behalf).
GENERAL GUIDELINES
FAO - General Guidelines on Sampling CAC/GL 50-2004
IPPC ISPM 31 Methodologies for sampling of consignments
IPPC ISPM 27 Diagnostic protocols for regulated pests
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.38
WCO - Customs Laboratory Guide (The tool is only available on the WCO Members’ Website)
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
No case studies at this time. To suggest or submit a case study, please contact us
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Laboratory testing of goods for customs, food safety, agriculture or other regulatory purposes
What authorities are directly concerned?
Border agencies that sample and test goods, such as:
• Customs
• Other border agencies (particularly, SPS and standards authorities)
What are the new requirements?
• Members may grant traders the right to a second test, where test results on a sample of goods taken upon arrival of goods declared for importation are adverse to the trader
• Members shall publish the contact information of laboratories where confirmatory tests can be carried out or provide this information to the importer. (They may be regional or international laboratories, if there are no national accredited laboratories)
• Members shall consider the results of the second test.
Article 6- Disciplines on Fees and Charges
GENERAL GUIDELINES
UNCTAD - Disciplines on the levy of fees and charges - Technical Note No 2 (2011)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.2
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 9 (Information, Decisions and Ruling Supplied by Customs) Standard(s) 9.7
WCO - Guideline to RKC Specific Annex A – Chapter 1 (Formalities prior to the lodgement of the Goods declaration) Standard(s) 19
WCO - Revised Arusha Declaration
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
No case studies at this time. To suggest or submit a case study, please contact us
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
The "fees and charges" that governmental authorities assess on, or in connection with, imports or exports
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
• Other Border Agencies
What are the new requirements?
• The amount and purposes of any fees or charges imposed on imports or exports must be consistent with the GATT Article VIII restrictions.
• Members must
- publish specified information about such fees and charges*
- publish any new or amended fees or charges an "adequate time" prior to their entry into force**
- periodically review their fees and charges in order to reduce the number and diversity "where practicable"
*You should consider the impact of this requirement in connection your review of Article 1.1 (Publication).
**You should consider the impact of this requirement in connection with your review of Article 2.1 (Opportunity to Comment and Information Before Entry into Force).
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.2, 3.45
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 9 (Information, Decisions and Ruling Supplied by Customs) Standard(s) 9.7
WCO - Guideline to RKC Specific Annex A – Chapter 1 (Formalities prior to the lodgement of the Goods declaration) Standard(s) 19
WCO - Revised Arusha Declaration
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
No case studies at this time. To suggest or submit a case study, please contact us
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
The "fees and charges" that customs authorities assess on, or in connection with, imports or exports for services provided to the importer or exporter
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
What are the new requirements?
• Customs fees and charges must be limited in amount to the approximate cost of the services rendered.
• Fees not linked to a specific import or export operation must be closely connected to the customs processing of the goods.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.39, 3.43
WCO - Guideline to RKC Specific Annex H – Chapter 1 (Guidelines on Customs Offences) Standard(s) 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25
WCO – Voluntary Compliance Framework
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
No case studies at this time. To suggest or submit a case study, please contact us
OTHER
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
The assessment of civil or administrative penalties for violations of the customs laws
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
What are the new requirements?
• Members who apply civil or administrative customs penalties shall:
- impose penalties only on the person(s) responsible for the violation
- ensure that the amount of such penalties are proportionate to the degree and severity of the violation
- avoid conflicts of interest
- avoid creating an incentive for the assessment of a penalty that is not commensurate with the circumstances of the case
- provide the person with a written explanation
- consider a "prior disclosure" as a potential factor to mitigate the penalty amount.
Article 7- Release and Clearance of Goods
GENERAL GUIDELINES
UNECE - Pre-Arrival Processing
UNCTAD - Pre-arrival Customs processing- Technical Note No. 15 (2011)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.25
WCO - SAFE Framework of Standards 2018
WCO - Immediate Release Guidelines
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Canada - Pre-Load Air Cargo Targeting (PACT) Pilot (SAFE Working Group, October 2013)
Japan - Advance Filing Rules on Maritime Container Cargo Information
Japan - Pre-arrival examination
Nigeria - Pre-arrival processing
Peru - Advanced Customs Clearance System (2011)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Submission of the documents required for the release of imported goods to customs and other border agencies
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
• Other border agencies
What are the new requirements?
• Traders shall be permitted to submit the import documentation and other information required for release of imported goods, in electronic format where appropriate, prior to arrival of the goods in order to expedite release
GENERAL GUIDELINES
UNECE - Electronic payment of customs duties and taxes
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 7 (Application of Information Technology) Standard(s) 7.1
Model laws and convention for digitalization/e-commerce:
UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (2017) (MLETR)
Model Law on Electronic Commerce
United Nations Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Chile - Electronic payment system
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
The means by which a trader can pay his duties, taxes, fees and charges
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
• Other Border Agencies
• Revenue Authority
What is the new requirement?
To the extent practicable, Members should allow electronic payment of duties, taxes, fees and charges.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
UNCTAD - Technical Note: Separating release from clearance procedures (TN/TF/19)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.13, 3.14, 3.17, 3.40
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 4 (Duties and Taxes) Standard(s) 4.9
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 5 (Security) Standard(s) 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7
WCO - SAFE Framework of Standards 2018
WCO - Immediate Release Guidelines
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
European Union – Deferred Payments: Guarantees for potential or existing customs debts, page 22-23
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Release of imported goods from Customs
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
What are the new requirements?
• Members shall allow importers to obtain release of their goods, under a guarantee, if required, prior to the final determination and payment of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges where the final determination is not done prior to, upon arrival or as rapidly as possible after arrival
• Any required guarantee shall be limited in amount to the equivalent of duties, taxes, fees and charges to which the goods may be liable, as determined by Customs
• If the importer commits an offense, Customs may require a guarantee for the potential fine or penalty as a condition for release of the goods (however, release of goods in cases of violations of law or fraud shall be determined by each Member’s law)
• Customs shall discharge the guarantee without delay when no longer required for its intended purposes/when all requirements have been met
GENERAL GUIDELINES
UNCTAD - Technical Note: Risk Management (TN/TF/12)
UNCTAD - Technical Note: Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) (TN/TF/21)
USAID - FASTrade Risk Management Handbook (2004)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 6 (Customs Control) Standard(s) 6.3, 6.4, 6.5
WCO - SAFE Framework of Standards 2018
WCO - Customs Risk Management Compendium General
WCO - Customs Risk Management Compendium Volume 1
WCO – Risk Management Compendium Volume 2 (Volume 2 is only available on the WCO Members’ Website)
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Joint risk analysis on cross-border traffic (WCO News, June 2010)
Cameroon - Risk management (2011)
Colombia – Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, Risk Management in Colombia (2019)
Malawi - Risk Management in Malawi
Mexico - Progress on applying risk analysis to core processes (WCO News, June 2010)
New Zealand - Risk management (2011)
OIE - Risk management - CARICOM (2019)
South Africa - Managing risk in practice: South Africa shares her experience (WCO News, June 2010)
Turkey - Turkey strengthens its Customs risk management system (WCO News, June 2013)
WCO - Customs risk management (CRiM): A Survey of 24 WCO Member Administrations (The Survey is available at the WCO Members’ website only.)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
The methodology or practices that Customs uses to determine which import, export or transit transactions or operators should be subject to control and the type and degree of control to be applied.
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
What are the new requirements?
• Members shall apply risk management to customs control in connection with import, export and transit of goods
• Members shall concentrate customs control on high risk consignments and expedite the release of low-risk goods
• Members shall use appropriate selectivity criteria in applying risk management
GENERAL GUIDELINES
UNCTAD - Technical Note: Post-clearance audit (TN/TF/05)
USAID - Post-Clearance Audit Handbook (2011)
World Bank - Post Clearance Audit: Reference and Implementation Guide (2013)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 6 (Customs Control) Standard(s) 6.6
WCO - Guidelines for Post-Clearance Audit - General
WCO – Guidelines for Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) Volume 1 – Development and Administration
WCO – Guidelines for Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) Volume 2 – Practical Guidance for Auditing Officials (Volume 2 is only available on the WCO Members’ Website)
WCO - Diagnostic Tool on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) and Infrastructure (The Diagnostic Tool is only available on the WCO Members’ Website)
WCO - Implementation Guidance on Post-Clearance Audit (Implementation Guidance on PCA is only available on the WCO Members’ Website)
WCO - SAFE Framework of Standards 2018
WCO - Customs Risk Management Compendium General
WCO - Customs Risk Management Compendium Volume 1
WCO – Risk Management Compendium Volume 2 (Volume 2 is only available on the WCO Members’ Website)
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Canada - Post-Clearance Audit (2011)
Chinese Taipei - Post-Clearance Audit (2012)
Korea - Post-Clearance - WTO TN/TF/W/55 (2005)
OCO - Post Clearance Audit Project for Oceania Customs Organisation
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Customs verification of compliance with customs and related laws and regulations through examination of the trader’s books and records at his premises following release of the goods
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
What are the new requirements?
• Members must use post-clearance audit "with a view to expediting the release of goods" and, wherever practicable, to inform risk management
• Audits must be transparent and the persons subject to audit should be notified with information about audit results.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - TRS: Guide to Measure the Time Required for the Release of Goods (2018)
WCO - Customs International Benchmarking Manual
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Australia - Time Release Study (2016)
Belarus - Conducting a Border-Crossing Time-Release Study - Smart Lessons Case Study Competition (2016)
Fiji - Time Release Study (2012)
Malaysia - Time Release Study (2012)
Poland - Publishing TRS results in the public domain: Poland’s positive experience (2016)
Sri Lanka - Time Release Study (2018)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Measuring the performance of customs and other border agencies with respect to the release of goods
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
• Other Border Agencies
What are the new requirements?
• Members are encouraged to measure and publish, on a periodic basis and in a consistent manner, the average time it takes to release goods
• Members are encouraged to share their experience in carrying out these measurements with the WTO trade facilitation committee.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
USAID - AEO Programs Handbook (2010)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.32
WCO - SAFE Framework of Standards 2018
WCO AEO Implementation Guidance (2010)
WCO - Model AEO Appeal Procedures
WCO - AEO Benefits: Contribution from the WCO Private Sector Consultative Group
WCO - The Authorized Economic Operator and the Small and Medium Enterprise (FAQ)
WCO - Strategy Guide for AEO Mutual Recognition
WCO - AEO Template (2018)
WCO - Authorized Operators Scheme
WCO - AEO Validator Guide (2018)
WCO - Linkages between the SAFE AEO Programme and Article 7.7 of the WTO TFA
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Albania - Operationalization of Authorized Economic Operators Program - Smart Lessons Case Study Competition (2017)
Australia - Authorized Economic Operator Program G/TFA/W/9 (2018)
Australia - What is a Trusted Trader? (Video) (2018)
Australia - Border Force (2018)
Brazil - AEO Program (2018)
China - AEO Program (2018)
Dominican Republic - AEO Programme
European Union - AEO Program (2018)
European Union - Authorized Operators Ebook (2020)
Hong Kong, China - AEO Programme
Japan - AEO Program (2018)
Korea - AEO Program (2019)
Saudi Arabia - AEO Program (2020)
UAE - Dubai Customs launches the UAE’s innovative AEO programme (2016)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Special or preferential customs treatment provided to reliable traders
What authorities are directly concerned?
- Customs
What are the new requirements?
- Members shall provide certain additional trade facilitation benefits to "authorized operators," or those traders who Customs has determined present a low risk of non-compliance with legal requirements.
- Members shall publish the qualification criteria
- Members’ are encouraged to base authorized trader schemes on international standards, unless inappropriate or ineffective
- A Member shall afford other Members the possibility to negotiate a mutual recognition of their respective authorized trader schemes.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities)
WCO - Guidelines for the Immediate Release of Consignments (2018)
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Chinese Taipei - Simplified Express Consignment Clearance System (2016)
Saudi Arabia - Article - New Saudi Customs clearance procedures enhance shipments
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Documents and goods imported by air express-delivery operators and other expedited shippers
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
• Airport owner/operator
What is the new requirement?
• Members shall establish special facilitative procedures (as described in paragraph 8.2) to allow expedited release of at least those goods entered through air cargo facilities
• Members may permit only those persons or firms who fulfil the criteria listed in the subparagraphs of 8.1 to apply for expedited release treatment
• Criteria for application for expedited release treatment shall be published
GENERAL GUIDELINES
IATA - Perishable Cargo Regulations Manual (2020)
IATA - Temperature Control Regulations (2020)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.34
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
No case studies at this time. To suggest or submit a case study, please contact us
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Customs clearance and release of imported "perishable goods"
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
• Other Border Agencies involved in the release of perishable goods
What is the new requirement?
Members shall adopt or maintain procedures for the importation of perishable goods that:
• allow release within shortest possible time;
• provide for release, where appropriate, outside Customs normal business hours;
• give priority to such goods when scheduling examinations;
• allow such goods to be stored in appropriate conditions for their conservation, where facilities approved by the relevant authorities are available;
• where practicable, and upon request, allow release to occur at these storage facilities; and
• require Customs to give a written explanation to the importer, on request, when there is a significant delay in the release of the goods.
Article 8- Border Agency Cooperation
GENERAL GUIDELINES
UNCTAD - Border Agency Coordination - Technical Note No.14 (2011)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.35
WCO - SAFE Framework of Standards 2018
WCO - Coordinated Border Management Compendium
WCO - Single Window Compendium Volume 1 For Executives/Senior Management
WCO - Single Window Compendium Volume 2 For Technical Experts
WCO – Single Window Supplement
WCO – Coordinated Border Management
WCO - Data Model General Brochure
WCO - Data Model Technical Brochure
WCO - Data Model Data Harmonization
WCO – Guidelines on Customs-Tax Cooperation
USAID- International Border Agency Cooperation Guide
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
AEBR - CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION IN SOUTH AMERICA
AsDB - The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program - CS #60 Aid for Trade 5GR
Botswana - Beginning the CBM process: the Botswana experience (2015)
Croatia - Strategy for Integrated Border Management
CUTS - Attari-Wagah Border of India and Pakistan - CS #100 Aid for Trade 5GR
ECOWAS - West Africa Joint Border Post (JBP) Programme - CS #38 Aid for Trade 5GR
European Union - EU launches new Customs Data Model based on WCO standards (2016)
Finland - Managing land borders, the innovative Finnish model (2015)
Germany - Coordinated Border Management
Hong Kong, China - Road Cargo System (ROCARS)
Lesotho Revenue Authority- Customs Modernisation Programme - CS #21 Aid for Trade 5GR
Lesotho - Technical Assistance on Trade Facilitation - CS #05 Aid for Trade 5GR
Netherlands - Coordinated Border Management in the Netherlands (2015)
New Zealand - Implementing New Zealand’s Joint Border Management System (2015)
Norway - Case Study on Border Agency Cooperation (2011)
OECS - Border Cooperation for the OECS Customs Union and Free Circulation of Goods- CARICOM (2019)
Singapore - Coordinated Border Management: A Whole-of-Government Approach: Singapore Customs (2015)
UNECLAC - Trade facilitation and paperless trade implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean
USA - BEST, an interagency collaboration model that’s keeping the United States safer (2015)
World Bank - Trading Across Borders in Guatemala and Honduras (2018)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
• The activities of the different national border agencies in connection with an import, export or transit transaction
• The activities of the border agencies of two Members in connection with trade across a shared border
Which authorities are directly concerned?
• All border agencies
What are the new requirements?
• National border authorities/agencies shall cooperate and coordinate border controls and procedures to facilitate trade
• Countries with common land borders shall cooperate and coordinate procedures to facilitate cross-border trade
Article 9- Movement under Customs Control
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - Guideline to RKC Specific Annex E – Chapter 1 (Customs Transit) Standard(s) 1 – 25
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
European Union - Customs Transit Procedures in the EU (General Features)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Imported goods arrive at one customs office (for example, an international airport or a seaport) for delivery to an inland destination within the same country, where the importer will declare and clear the goods. The goods may be offloaded from the international carrier at the point of entry and loaded on another means of transport (truck or rail, for example) for carriage to the final destination.
The measure is intended to allow the goods to be moved under a simplified procedure to the inland customs office, and permit the importer to clear them at the destination rather than at the port of arrival.
Which authorities are directly concerned?
- Customs
What are the new requirements?
- A declarant should be able to move goods from a customs office of entry to another customs office within the same customs territory.
Article 10- Import, Export and Transit Formalities
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.11 – 3.19
WCO - Recommendation (2012) on the Dematerialization of Supporting Documents
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
European Union - The single administration document (SAD)
Singapore’s approach to streamlining trade documentation (2014)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Import, export and transit formalities and documentation requirements.
What authorities are directly concerned?
- All border agencies
What are the new requirements?
- Members must periodically review formalities and documentation requirements with a view towards simplifying or reducing them
- Documentation requirements or formalities should be as fast and efficient as possible. They should not be adopted if a less trade-restrictive solution is available. They should be eliminated or modified if no longer necessary.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.11 – 3.19
WCO - Recommendation (2012) on the Dematerialization of Supporting Documents
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Presentation of supporting documents for import, export or transit formalities
What authorities are directly concerned?
• All border agencies
What are the new requirements?
• Border agencies shall endeavour to accept copies of supporting documents that may be required for import, export or transit formalities.
• If the original document has been provided to one government authority, other government authorities shall accept a copy authenticated by the agency holding the original.
• Neither an original nor a copy of the export declaration issued by authorities in the country of export shall be required for importation of the goods.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
ISO - Guides on use of International Standards (2014)
UNCTAD - Simplification of trade documentation using international standards - Technical Note No 13 (2011)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.11
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 7 (Application of Information Technology) Standard(s) 7.2
WCO - Data Model General Brochure
WCO - Data Model Technical Brochure
WCO - Data Model Data Harmonization
WCO - Recommendation (2009) concerning the use of the WCO Data Model
WCO - Recommendation (1990) concerning the use of the UNTDED
WCO - Recommendation (1990) concerning the use of UN/EDIFACT
Model laws and convention for digitalization/e-commerce:
UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (2017) (MLETR)
Model Law on Electronic Commerce
United Nations Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
European Union - EU launches a new Customs Data Model based on WCO standards (2015)
Malaysia launches new information system (2016)
Oman - Data harmonization for Single Windows: a case study from Oman (2014)
Oman - Implementing the WCO Data Model in Oman
Quick summary notes
What authorities are directly concerned?
- All border agencies
What activity does this measure regulate?
- Import, export and transit formalities and procedures
What is the new requirement?
- Members are encouraged to use "relevant international standards" as the basis for their import, export and transit formalities and procedures.
- Members are encouraged to take part in preparation and periodic review of standards through the "appropriate" international organizations.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
AACE - Guidelines for Single Window Implementation in Africa (2017)
UNECE - Single Submission Portal. Recommendation 37 (2019)
UNECE - Data Simplification and Standardization for International Trade. Recommendation 34 (2014)
UNECE - Establishing a Legal Framework for an International Trade Single Window. Recommendation 35 (2014)
UNECE - Single Window Interoperability. Recommendation No. 36 (2017)
UNECE - Trends for collaboration in international trade: building a common Single Window Environment (2013)
UNECE - Single Window for Trade (2005)
UNECE - Single window - Recommendation no. 33 (2005)
UNRCS - TF and Paperless Trade Implementation Survey 2015 - Latin America and the Caribbean (2015)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities)
WCO - Single Window Compendium Volume 1 For Executives/Senior Management
WCO - Single Window Compendium Volume 2 For Technical Experts
WCO – Single Window Supplement
WCO - Data Model General Brochure
WCO - Data Model Technical Brochure
WCO - Data Model Data Harmonization
WCO - SAFE Framework of Standards 2018
WCO - Coordinated Border Management Compendium
Model laws and convention for digitalization/e-commerce:
UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (2017) (MLETR)
Model Law on Electronic Commerce
United Nations Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Brasil - TFA implementation in Brazil through Public-Private Partnership (2019)
Chile - Implementing Single Window in Chile
China - Single Window (2019)
Chinese Taipei – Single Window (2019)
Ecuador - Single Window (2011)
El Salvador – Single Window (2011)
Kenya - Environment and Implementation of the National Single Window - CS #24 Aid for Trade 5GR
Korea – Single Window (2018)
Korea – Single Window (2011)
Korea - UNI-PASS: Korea’s Customs modernization tool (2016)
Lesotho Revenue Authority - Customs Modernisation Programme - Aid for Trade 5GR CS #21
New Zealand Single Window opens for business (2013)
Nigeria develops an organic National Single Window (2013)
Nigeria – Single Window (2011)
Peru - Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE) - CS #112 Aid for Trade 5GR
Rwanda - UNCTAD Compendium of Good Practices (2019)
Rwanda - Rwanda electronic single window - CS #13 Aid for Trade 5GR
Sri Lanka - Study on challenges implementing Single Window (2015)
Qatar introduces the Customs Clearance Single Window (2014)
Qatar’s Single Window system continues to deliver improved results (2015)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Traders’ submission of documents/data to multiple government agencies to allow import, export or transit of a goods shipment.
What authorities are directly concerned?
- All border agencies
What is the new requirement?
- Members shall endeavour to establish a "single window" to which a trader can submit all documents and/or data required by customs and all other border or licensing authorities for the import, export or transit of goods, and from which the trader will receive all notifications.
- "One-time submission:" where a trader submits required data and/or documents to the single window he/she shall not be asked again for the same information other than in exceptional cases.
- Members shall use ICT to the extent possible and practicable.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - Practical Guidelines for Valuation Control (This tool is only available on the WCO Members’ website.)
WCO - Guide on termination of inspection contract (This tool is only available on the WCO Members’ website.)
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
No case studies at this time. To suggest or submit a case study, please contact us
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
Use of pre-shipment inspection firms to carry out customs-related controls on imported goods
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Revenue Authority
• Customs
What is the new requirement?
• If a Member presently requires pre-shipment inspection of imports in relation to tariff classification or customs valuation, it shall end such requirements
• Members are encouraged not to introduce any such pre-shipment inspection requirements in the future.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.6, 3.7
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 8 (Relationship between the Customs and Third Parties) Standard(s) 8.1 – 8.7
WCO - Customs Brokers Guidelines
WCO – Study Report on Customs Brokers 2016
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Australia - Step by Step Approach for Customs Brokers
Japan - An overview of Japan’s Customs brokerage legislation (2016)
Netherlands - Representation in case of customs declarations
Quick summary notes
What activity does this proposal regulate?
The use of customs brokers in import, export or transit operations
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
What is the new requirement?
• Members shall not introduce the requirement for the mandatory use of customs brokers.
• Measures on the use of customs brokers, or any subsequent modifications thereof shall be notified to the Committee and published promptly.
• Any broker licensing rules shall be transparent and objective.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities) Standard(s) 3.11, 3.20
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
European Union - The Single Administrative Document (SAD)
Singapore - Approach to Streamlining Trade Documentation, WCO news N° 75 (2014)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this measure regulate?
The import/export procedures applied by Customs, and documentation requirements, at the different entry and exit offices within the customs territory
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
What is the new requirement?
• Customs shall apply uniform documentation requirements and uniform release and clearance procedures.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 3 (Clearance and other Customs Formalities)
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 4 (Duties and Taxes) Standard(s) 4.19
WCO - Guideline to RKC Specific Annex C – Chapter 1 (Outright Exportation)
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
India - India's Re-Import of Goods Procedures (Rejected Goods)
Quick summary notes
What activity does this proposal regulate?
The re-export or return of imported goods that have been rejected by government authorities
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
• Other Border Agencies (particularly those involved in sanitary, phytosanitary and product standards issues: i.e. the Food Safety authority, Agriculture ministry, etc.)
What is the new requirement?
• The importer shall have the right to return to the exporter, or any other person, imported goods that have been rejected by competent authorities due to failure to comply with prescribed sanitary and phytosanitary regulations or technical regulations.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - Guideline to RKC Specific Annex G – Chapter 1 (Temporary Admission)
WCO - RKC Guidelines on RKC Specific Annex F – Chapter 1 (Inward Processing)
WCO - RKC Guidelines on RKC Specific Annex F – Chapter 2 (Outward Processing)
WCO - RKC Guidelines on RKC Specific Annex F – Chapter 3 (Drawback)
WCO - Istanbul Convention on Temporary Admission
WCO – Customs Convention on the ATA Carnet
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Quick summary notes
What activity does this proposal regulate?
Customs procedures to allow the importation of goods without payment of import duties and taxes, or eligible for duty drawback, subject to conditions on the use to which the goods have been, or will be, put.
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
• Revenue Authority
What is the new requirement?
• Members shall adopt customs procedures for the temporary admission, inward processing and outward processing of goods.
A temporary admission procedure allows goods to be imported for a limited period of time (six months, one year, etc.) for defined purposes (e.g., goods to be displayed at trade exhibitions; shipping containers imported to be filled; tools needed for a domestic manufacturing operation; traveller’s personal effects; foreign-registered automobiles used by visitors to the country, etc.) without payment of import duties and taxes.
Manufacturers use the inward processing procedure for goods that have been returned to them for repair or for parts, materials, or other production inputs they use in their processing operations. Under the procedure, the goods may be imported without payment of duty or taxes provided the manufacturer exports the repaired or finished product within a specified period. Or duty may be refunded under a duty drawback scheme once the goods are exported.
Outward processing allows persons to send domestic or previously-imported/duty-paid goods abroad for purposes of repair (for example, goods returned to the manufacturer under warranty) or for other processing, and re-import the repaired or processed goods within a fixed period of time without payment of import duty or taxes, with the exception of duty or tax assessed on the value-added by the foreign processing operation.
Article 11- Freedom of Transit
GENERAL GUIDELINES
UNCTAD - Technical Note: Freedom of Transit (TN/TF/08)
UNECE – TIR Handbook 2018
UNECE - TIR System- Structure, Merits and Accession (2017)
UNECE - Unified Railway Law (2018)
UN-OHRLLS - Implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024 (2017)
UN-OHRLLS - Improving transit cooperation, trade and trade facilitation for the benefit of the landlocked developing countries (2017)
WCO - Guideline to RKC Specific Annex E – Chapter 1 (Customs Transit)
WCO - Guideline to RKC Specific Annex E – Chapter 2 (Transhipment)
WCO - Transit Guidelines (2018)
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
European Commission- European Union -Transit (2018)
European Union - Customs Transit Procedures in the EU (General Features)
Hong Kong, China – Transit (2011)
Mesoamerica improves international transit controls on goods (2012)
Switzerland - Implementation of National and International Transit Procedures (2018)
WCO - Customs Transit Procedures in the European Union (2013)
Quick summary notes
Paragraphs 1-3
(transit charges, regulations, and formalities)
What activity does this proposal regulate?
The regulations and formalities that a Member applies to traffic in transit
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
• Transport Ministry
• Other Border Agencies
What are the new requirements?
• Regulations or formalities on transit shall be eliminated or reduced if no longer required or a less trade-restrictive solution becomes available, and they should not be applied in a manner that would be a disguised restriction on trade
• Charges that may be imposed on transit only for transit administrative procedures entailed or transit services provided, and shall be limited in amount to the expense of such procedures or cost of such services
• Members shall not seek, take or maintain voluntary restraints or similar measures on traffic in transit.
Paragraph 4
(strengthened non-discrimination)
What activity does this proposal regulate?
Goods in transit and the vessels and transport means of other Members
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
• Transport Ministry
• Other Border Agencies
What are the new requirements?
- Treatment Preceding Transit: A Member shall not treat goods that will pass in transit through another Member’s territory to the final destination less favourably than if the goods were shipped to the destination without passing through that other Member’s territory.
Paragraphs 5-10
(transit, procedures and controls)
What activity does this proposal regulate?
Customs transit procedures and controls
What authorities are directly concerned?
- Customs
- Transport Ministry
What are the new requirements?
- In processing and control of transit movements, a Member:
- shall allow pre-arrival declaration
- shall not apply formalities, documentation requirements or controls other than those necessary to identify the goods and ensure compliance with transit requirements
- shall not apply customs charges, formalities or inspections other than at the offices of departure and destination (and not en-route)
- shall not apply technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures on goods in transit
- shall promptly terminate the transit operation once goods reach the office of exit, if all requirements are met
- Members are encouraged to make separate lanes or similar infrastructure for transit in traffic.
Paragraphs 11-15
(guarantees)
What activity does this proposal regulate?
The use and discharge of guarantees that may be required by Customs in connection with transit operations
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
What are the new requirements?
• Any guarantee that Customs requires for a transit movement:
• shall be limited to ensuring that requirements arising from such traffic in transit are fulfilled;
• shall be discharged by Customs without delay once the transit is completed; and
• shall, in a manner consistent with its laws and regulations, be comprehensive for same operators or maybe renewed by the trader thereafter.
• Information on how guarantees are set must be made available to the public.
• Customs may require a convoy to accompany goods only if the goods are high risk and so specified in the Member’s laws and regulations and published.
Paragraphs 16-17
(cooperation and coordination)
What activity does this proposal regulate?
Promotion of agreements and coordination on transit matters at a regional and bilateral level
What authorities are directly concerned?
• Customs
• Transport Ministry
• Other Border Agencies
What are the new requirements?
• Members must endeavour to cooperate and coordinate to enhance freedom of transit
• Members must endeavour to appoint a national transit coordinator to whom other Members can make enquires and proposals.
Article 12- Customs Cooperation
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WCO - RKC General Annex Guidelines - Chapter 6 (Customs Control) Standard(s) 6.7
WCO – SAFE Framework of Standards 2018
WCO – Model Bilateral Agreement
WCO – Nairobi Convention on Customs Offences
WCO – Johannesburg Convention on Customs Matters
WCO – Globally Networked Customs Handbook
WCO – Globally Networked Customs Concept – Strategic Value
WCO - Globally Networked Customs – Frequently Asked Questions
WCO - Customs Enforcement Network Global Application (CEN) (A central depositary for enforcement-related information. For more information on the CEN, please contact cis@WCOomd.org)
WCO - National Customs Enforcement Network Application (nCEN) (Contains law-enforcement information on the national level, with the additional capability to exchange this information at the regional and international levels.
For more information on the nCEN please contact ncen@WCOomd.org)
WCO - Customs Enforcement Network Communication Platform (CENcomm) (A tool that facilitates the exchange and use of data in a timely, reliable and secure manner with direct access available 24 hours a day. For more information on CENcomm, please contact cis@wcoomd.org)
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Canada - Customs Cooperation (2012)
Georgia, Europe’s first nCEN Country (2016)
Mauritius, the first country to implement nCEN (2011)
Namibia’s Customs modernization drive and nCEN experience (2014)
South Africa and Swaziland – Implementing Exchange of Information
Quick summary notes
What activity does this proposal regulate?
Customs-to-Customs exchange of information for purposes of verifying goods declarations
What authorities are directly concerned?
- Customs
What are the new requirements?
- One Member shall provide another, upon request and subject to conditions, information and/or documents concerning specific import or export declarations.
Section II
Section II Resources
BROCHURES & GUIDELINES
TFAF Notifications Brochure-English (2018)
TFAF Notifications Brochure-French (2018)
TFAF Notifications Brochure-Spanish (2018)
Section III
Article 23 Resources
GENERAL GUIDELINES
CAM- Cooperation and Collaboration in the Dutch National Trade Facilitation Committee
STDF - National SPS Coordination Mechanisms (2012)
TFAF- National Committees on Trade Facilitation: Current practices and challenges (2016)
UNCTAD, UNECE and ITC - Repository of National Trade Facilitation Bodies (2018)
UNECE - Public-Private Partnerships in Trade Facilitation. Recommendation 41 (2017)
UNECE - National Trade Facilitation Bodies. Recommendation No. 4 (2015)
UNECE - Guide to Drafting a National Trade Facilitation Roadmap (2015)
UNECE - Roadmap Methodology for NTFCs (2016)
UNCTAD - National Trade Facilitation Bodies in the world (2014)
UNCTAD - What is a TF roadmap and what it is not a TF roadmap
UNCTAD - A National Roadmap for WTO TFA Implementation-CARICOM (2019)
UNCTAD Article on NTFCs and COVID-19 (2020)
WCO- National Commitees on Trade Facilitation Guide (2018)
CASE STUDIES AND COUNTRY SPECIFIC INITIATIVES
Albania- Trade facilitation agreement and National Committee for trade facilitation (2016)
Antigua and Barbuda- NTFC Experience- CARICOM (2019)
Antigua and Barbuda- The Trade Facilitation Agreement- CARICOM (2019)
Barbados- NTFC Experience- CARICOM (2019)
Belize- NTFC Experience- CARICOM (2019)
Botswana- Technical Committee on Trade Facilitation (2016)
Botswana- National Commitee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
Brazil- National Trade Facilitation Committee's Mandate - A perspective from the Brazilian experience (2016)
Brazil - National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2016)
Canada - National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
CARICOM - The CARICOM Strategy for Regional implementation of the TFA- CARICOM (2019)
China - Implementation of WTO TFA China Customs (2018)
Costa Rica- NCTF - Defining an institutional framework: the case of Costa Rica (2016)
Dominica- NTFC Experience- CARICOM (2019)
El Salvador - Advances in Trade Facilitation (2019)
Eswatini- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
GEA- TFA Implementation: Benefits, Priorities and Monitoring- CARICOM (2019)
Grenada- NTFC Experience- CARICOM (2019)
Guyana- How to ensure the proper functioning and long term adaptability of the national committee (2016)
Guyana- Guyana's Trade Facilitation Agreement Experience- CARICOM (2019)
Ghana- Strategies for defining a roadmap for the NCTF - The Ghana experience (2016)
India- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
Israel- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
Italy- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
Jamaica - Trade Facilitation Task Force - Smart Lessons Case Study Competition Finalist (2017)
Jamaica- The Case of Jamaica's Trade Facilitation Task Force (2016)
Kenya- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
Lao PDR- Maintaining a NCTF (2016)
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - TFA Implementation (2018)
Paraguay- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2019)
Republic of Moldova - Action plan (2018)
Malawi- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
Mauritius- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
Montenegro - National Trade Facilitation Committee: Lessons Learned - Smart Lessons Case Study Competition Finalist (2017)
Montenegro - National Trade Facilitation Committee (2019)
Nigeria - Presentation on National trade Facilitation Committee in Nigeria (2016)
Nigeria- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
Nigeria and Sri Lanka- WCO - National Committees on Trade Facilitation (2016)
Norway- National Trade Facilitation Commitee (2019)
OECS- Regional Perspectives on Trade Facilitation- CARICOM (2019)
Oman- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
Pakistan- National Trade and Transport Facilitation Committee (NTTFC) in Pakistan (2016)
Mauritius- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
Sri Lanka- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
St. Kitts & Nevis- NTFC- CARICOM (2019)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Trade Facilitation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (2016)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines - NTFC- CARICOM (2019)
Sweden - How to ensure the power functioning and long-term adaptability - Swedish Experiences (2016)
Trinidad & Tobago-NTFC- Status, Lessons learned and best practices- CARICOM (2019)
Trinidad & Tobago-NTFC- Strategies for defining a roadmap for the National Commitee- CARICOM (2019)
Turkey - NTFC Experience (2018)
Uganda National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF): Mandate and Areas of Work (2016)
United Arab Emirates- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
United States - Structure and role of the US National Trade Facilitation Committee (2018)
United States- National Committee on Trade Facilitation (2018)
Vanuatu - Experience Sharing on Establishing and Maintaining National Committee on Trade Facilitation in Vanuatu (2016)
Viet Nam - Defining an institutional framework - Viet Nam (2016)
WCO-Tools for Effective Implementation- CARICOM (2019)