Single Window

1
Single Window The European Commissions
Perspective

• UNECE Symposium on Single Window Standards and
  Interoperability
• Geneva
• 3-5 May 2006

2
Content

• The Commissions Perspective
• Legal Framework
• Definition Vision
• Methodology and Progress
• Inter-Service Working Group
• Way Forward
• Strategic Seminar on Single Window in March 2006

3
Single Window the Commissions Perspective

• Essential and most difficult part of the
  electronic customs initiative
• Full scope single window
• Electronic format envisaged
• Based on international standards
• To be managed by customs
• Probably not unique single window for the EU
• No shift of competences between administrations
• Ideally to be connected with one stop shop

4
Legal Framework

• Communication on the role of e-Government for
  Europes future (COM (2003) 567)
• i2010 e-Government Action Plan (COM (2006) 173)
• Council resolution on creating a simple and
  paperless environment for customs and trade
  (2003/C 305/1)
• Electronic customs decision (COM (2005) 609)
• Modernised Customs Code (COM (2005) 608)

5
Definition - Vision

• Definition in the recitals of the Modernised
  Customs Code
• To achieve facilitation of business and to
  provide for the proper controls of goods, the
  information provided by economic operators is to
  be shared under data protection provisions
  between customs and other agencies involved in
  that control and the goods are to be controlled
  by these authorities at the same time and the
  same place (one stop shop).

6
Methodology and Progress

• The single window initiative at the Commission is
  starting
• Commission inter-service group works from June
  2005
• to coordinate the approach of the single window
  concept at the Commission level
• to explore and report on all Commission
  legislation and systems relevant to the
  international trade of goods.
• High level strategic seminar on single window in
  March 2006

7
Inter-Service Working Group

• Working document prepared on the concept of
  single window
• provides the inventory of (existing and future)
  databases, electronic systems and exchange of
  information and documents existing at the
  Commission (DG TAXUD, DG AGRI, DG ENV, DG FISH,
  DG OLAF, DG SANCO, DG TRADE, DG TREN)
• provides also inventory of certificates listed in
  TARIC, overview of scientific projects and
  studies of international organisations.

8
Way Forward

• Legal provisions providing for the obligation to
  co-operate
• Launching Community action at national level
• Interlinked projects in the electronic customs
  initiative have already been launched into
  further steps of the implementation process
  e.g. single electronic access point

9
Strategic Seminar on Single Window - Background

• Need to promote the single window concept
• Need of a common approach and understanding of
  the single window
• Need of initial agreement for the concept
• Need to identify and discuss possible problems
• Need of setting priorities

10
Strategic Seminar on Single Window - Conclusions

• Definition of single window
• an electronic system allowing economic operators
  to lodge standardised information and receive the
  respective answers/results through a single
  electronic message to a single body
• allowing the sharing/supplying of information
  between customs authorities and other
  authorities/agencies involved in the movement of
  goods across borders
• taking account the relevant data protection
  provisions

11
Strategic Seminar on Single Window - Conclusions

• Possible problems identified
• legal basis for exchange of information missing
• non-compatibility of existing IT systems
• not a clear definition of responsibilities of
  respective administrations
• lack of trust and confidence between the
  stakeholders
• special training necessary
• difficult quantification of costs and benefits of
  single window

12
Strategic Seminar on Single Window Action Points

• Seek political consensus and support in the
  Commission and the member states
• Provide legal basis
• Prepare feasibility study
• prepare cost-benefit analysis
• define priorities and milestones (road map)
• Follow international standards
• Consult trade representatives

13
Questions and Comments

• DG TAXUD website
• http//www.cc.cec/dgintranet/taxud/index_en.htm
• Eva Kanovská, DG TAXUD
• eva.kanovska_at_cec.eu.int
• 32-2-295-88-32