UN CEFACT recommends governments implement a single window facility to simplify international trade procedures. A single window allows traders to submit standardized information and documents to multiple government agencies through a single entry point. UN CEFACT published Recommendation 33 and a guide on establishing a single window to reduce costs and duplication for both traders and governments in meeting regulatory requirements. The recommendation and guide provide best practices on single window models, benefits, implementation steps, and key success factors.

1. UN CEFACT
Single Window Recommendation
Simplifying International Trade
Gordon Cragge
Chair – International Trade Procedures
Working Group (TBG 15 of UN CEFACT)

2. UN CEFACT
 Vision: To deliver
Simple, Transparent and Effective Trading
Processes for Global Commerce
 Global Remit – open to participation from
all countries, intergovernmental and
business organisations, and private sector
 Focus is 3 main pillars of international
trade:
– business processes and trade procedures
– data content, definitions and flow
– enabling information and communication
technologies

3. UN CEFACT International
Supply Chain Reference Model
Seller
Goods
Buyer
Payment
Buy Ship Pay

4. UN CEFACT International Trade
Procedures Working Group (TBG15)
Objectives:
 Identify, simplify, harmonise and align
public and private sector practices,
procedures and information flows in the
international trade transaction
 Maintain existing and develop new UN
CEFACT Recommendations
 Promote the adoption and implementation
of trade facilitation tools and techniques

5. Meeting regulatory requirements
and providing information to
government
On a daily basis, business has to prepare
and submit increasing amounts of
information;
• to various governmental authorities
• at different stages within the
international trade process; and
• via various communication routes (paper
or EDI)
• with each authority often having its own
specific (automated) systems and paper
forms.

6. Meeting regulatory requirements
and providing information to
government
Electronic
Agriculture
Paper
Trader
Customs
Health Dept
Transport
Current Situation for Government & Traders
The
current
situation

7. IMO FAL
Customs
Transport
Health
Transport
Documents
Health
Certificates
Shipping Documentation
Passenger
Documents
Crew
Documents
Ships
Stores
IMO FAL
Forms
Customs
Forms

8. Shipping Documentation
Transport
Documents
Health
Certificates
Passenger
Documents
Crew
Documents
Ships
Stores
IMO FAL
Forms
Customs
Forms

9. A single window
Electronic
Agriculture
Single
Window
Trader
Transport
Customs
Health Dept
A 'Single Window' environment
Paper
The new
approach - a
simple, one-
stop solution
offering
official
control with
trade
facilitation.

10.  Survey of existing and planned Single
Windows in 20 countries to determine:
– current practices;
– structures;
– products and services; and
– funding mechanisms.
 Develop a UN CEFACT Recommendation
and Guide based on the research and
analysis of the survey results
 NOW PUBLISHED!
The Single Window Project
Approach

11. UN CEFACT Recommendation 33
Governments and those involved in the
international trade and movement of goods
to consider implementing a Single Window
facility that allows:
 parties to lodge standardised information
and documents with a single entry point to
fulfil all export, import and transit related
regulatory requirements
 if the information is electronic, then
individual data elements should only be
submitted once

12. UN CEFACT Recommendation 33
 the sharing of all information supported by
a legal framework that provides privacy and
security in the exchange of information
 co-ordinate the controls of the various
governmental authorities, where
appropriate
 facilities to receive payment of duties and
other charges
 the single entry point to provide access to
trade related government information

13. UN CEFACT Recommendation 33
Proceed with the setting up of a Single
Window facility at the national level through
a collaborative effort with all relevant
governmental authorities and the business
community
Give full consideration to the guidelines
attached to the present recommendation in
the establishment of their Single Window
facility

14. The Guide on the establishment
of a Single Window
The Guidelines
 Overview description of a Single Window
 Common models for a Single Window
 Benefits of a Single Window
 Practical steps in planning and
implementing a Single Window
 Key factors for a successful Single Window

15. The Guide on the establishment
of a Single Window
The Annexes
 Annex A: Single Window Models - examples
of existing or planned Single Windows
 Annex B: Practical Steps for Planning &
Implementation
 Annex C: Components of a Feasibility Study
 Annex D: Tools & Techniques
 Annex E: Signposts - contact details for
operational Single Windows and
international organisation projects

16. UN CEFACT Recommendation 33
Next Steps

17. UN CEFACT Recommendation 33
Next Steps
 Develop a publicity pack
 Presentations to interested organisations
 Promotion at the Capacity Building Workshop
for Trade Facilitation Implementation
 Monitor existing and developing Single
Windows to improve Guidelines

18. UN CEFACT Recommendation 33
Next Steps