NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW INITIATIVE

National Single Window Initiative: Development and Implementation in APEC

National Single Window Initiative: Development and Implementation in APEC

Introduction

The Single Window was introduced as a solution that will help government collect large volumes of information that it may require from trade regarding import, export and transit regulatory through a single submission point from the trader, "therefore" resulting in numerous advantages for both government and the trading community.

This solution was created to facilitate the trade community to trade along a safe and secure international supply chain globally. Great collaborations or partnerships must be developed between government agencies, businesses enterprises and service providers so a safe and secure international supply chain system could be found. One of the other significant aspects of strengthening our supply chain system technical assistance should be given to the partners. APEC(2010).Discussion

The Single Window Worker Group was established in 2006 under sub-committee on Customs Procedure. In 2007 APEC Sub-Committee of Customs Procedure of SWWG established 6 recommendations under a strategic plan. This plan was created to improve supply chain security in two phases. (APEC 2009)Phase 1: within APEC regionsPhase 2: establish links that enable seamless and harmonized data sharing between different Single Window systems through recognized and identified international instruments and standards.

The six recommendations consisted of

Developing a working group by SCCP. The working group would be engaged public and private sectors and other relevant international bodies.

Adopting UN/CEFACT definition of a single window (UN/CEFACT Recommendation 33)

Adopting internationally identified and recognized instruments and standards.

Establishing a repository to capture relevant information regarding Single Window initiatives in supply chain security and international trade facilitation.

Identifying and developing feasible capacity building Single Window functions.

Preparing a roadmap for implementing the desired Single Window strategy for achieving Single Window vision. APEC (2010),

Some of the activities involved in developing stage of a single window policy were formation of a guideline or manual to instruct essential steps towards data synchronizing as well as harmonizing and single window development. A two day high level conference for policy-makers and three-day technical capacity building workshop would be organized. Internet portal would be established to assist APEC member economies throughout the procedure of data harmonization. Newsgroup consisting of relevant resources would be formed to share prior experience and ideas. National Single Window Implementation

There were approximately 21 economies of APEC which participated in development of Single Window in their economies. This committee was chaired by Australia, and the rest of the members included Japan, Brunei Darussalam, China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore. (APEC 2009)

Implementing a single window system for most custom administrations mentioned above may have been a complex project, which often takes many years for planning and developing while many stakeholders are involved in this project. It needs widespread planning and a strategic approach based upon a study of the gap between the existing and future systems. Cost is also a key element in this preparation due to involvement of stakeholders ...