B2 Single Window System | Online Readiness Assessment Guide for Cross-Border Paperless Trade

B2.1 If a single window system mentioned in A2.2 has been implemented, does it support cross-border data exchange?

Background

A single window system is meant to connect systems of the stakeholders in the country via a single point of connectivity providing more efficient integration/interfacing. Likewise, a national single window is also meant to support cross-border data exchange. It acts as the national single point of connectivity which will ease integration/interfacing for cross-border data exchange with dialogue partners.

Good Practices

The single window system normally acts as the national single point of connectivity with all public and private stakeholders within the countries and also with dialogue partners. With the single point of connectivity, it eases integration and interfacing for cross-border data exchange. The country needs to engage with dialogue partners to discuss and agree on potential mutual benefits and challenges of cross-border electronic data exchange along value chains, namely information exchange between single windows. The challenges also focus on interoperability and suitable models between single windows to exchange and use information, in secure manner agreeing to a mutual recognition protocol, across borders without additional effort on the part of the users.

References and Case Studies

Cross-border single window interoperability: a managerial guide (particularly on Chapter 4: D. Connectivity), https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/CROSS-BORDER%20SINGLE%20WINDOW%20INTEROPERABILITY.pdf
UNECE Recommendation NO. 36: Single Window Interoperability, http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trade/Publications/ECE-TRADE-431E_Rec36.pdf
Case Example: ASEAN Single Window Architecture, https://asw.asean.org/index.php/faq, https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/S7-8_NSW-ASW%20presentation%20%288%20Aug%202018%29.pdf

B2.2 (If B2.1 is yes) Does it function as the national single window, which acts as the national single point of connectivity for any cross-border data exchange with other dialogue partners?

Expected Answers

Yes - the system functions as the national single window which acts as the national single point of connectivity for any cross-border data exchange with other dialogue partners.
No - the current system does not function as the national single window. It does not act as the national single point of connectivity for any cross-border data exchange with other dialogue partners.

Glossary

“Single window” means a facility that allows parties involved in a trade transaction to electronically lodge data and documents with a single-entry point to fulfil all import, export and transit-related regulatory requirements. UNECE Recommendation and Guidelines on establishing a Single Window
“Dialogue Partners” are partner nations that have worked collaboratively to achieve some initiatives’ objectives. ASEAN’s Strategy Towards Its Dialogue Partners
“Cross-border electronic data exchange” in the context of trade facilitation is about exchange of trade-related data electronically across borders for better regulatory compliance and improved trade facilitation. More...
“Mutual recognition” means reciprocal recognition of the validity of trade-related data and documents in electronic form exchanged across borders between two or more countries. Framework Agreement on Facilitating of Cross-Border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (Article 3: Definitions).