Single+Window+Concept

//A Single Window for Trade (SW) can take many forms and involve different parties. The UNECE Recommendation No.33 and its guidelines provide an overview of the different models that an SW can take, in terms of scope, operational model and technological architecture. UNECE-UN/CEFACT and WCO have developed standards and tools that support SW implementation.// =Functions and Services of Single Windows for Trade= SWs for Trade vary on three levels: S**cope**  Generally speaking there are three **types of services** and **functions** that are already integrated in existing SWs. These are traditional Customs clearance functions, handling of general cross-border transaction requirements, and transport and logistics related functions. A new development is to include banking services related to payments. The last generation of SWs tend to cover all of these three type of services. In terms of ** participating agencies **, there are SWs that are Customs centric and offer a linkage between traders and Customs for the clearance of cargo, but do not extend services to procedures of other government agencies (OGA). These are enhanced forms of Customs Automation. Port Community Systems and Airport Community Systems, and Logistics Platforms, that deal with logistics information processes. Also there are SWs that offer a single entry point for OGA procedures but traders are required to undertake Customs clearance separately, and national Single Windows that combine OGA procedures with a link to Customs clearance. O**perational model**  The  country experiences and case studies on Single Window implementation  published by UNECE and WCO show that operational models and governance structures also vary. SWs can be fully privately operated (Germany and Guatemala), or be operated by a Private-Public Partnership (__ Senegal __), or by the Public Sector State (Finland, USA, Sweden). They can be built around Customs administration, an independent SW entity, or a private body. Their services can be free of charge or a payment can be asked to users based on different payment schemes (__ Senegal __, Germany). T**echnological architecture**  The technological architecture can be of an integrated model where data submission and data processing are handled by one system, an interfaced model where the SW functions as a gateway server and provides the information to the agencies' operating system via interfaces, or hybrid models. Whilst Recommendation No. 33 still mentions the possibility of a physical Single Window that does not rely on ICT, the concept has evolved and, for practical purposes, the establishment of an SW today is mainly through the use of ICT and the Internet. ** Standards and tools ** There are a number of standards and tools that provide the legal, managerial and technical framework of an SW for trade. The UNECE recommendations and guidelines were the first comprehensive reference and they include:
 * 1) the **scope** in terms of participating agencies and other stakeholders, procedures and processes incorporated, as well as services and functions offered;
 * 2) the **operational model** and governance structure;
 * 3) the **technological architecture**.
 * UNECE Recommendation & Guidelines on Establishing a Single Window ( __ Recommendation No 33 __ )
 * UNECE Recommendation on Data Simplification & Standardization for International Trade ( __ Recommendation 34 __ )
 * UNECE Recommendation for Establishing a Legal Framework for an International Single Window ( __ Recommendation 35 __ )
 * UNECE __ Repository of Single Window __ applications

UNECE and UNESCAP have produced a number of UNNExT guides for SW implementation. Other organizations are also working on this topic, including the World Customs Organization (WCO), which has produced the Compendium on How to build a Single Window Environment as well as a number of case studies available on the Single Window section of its website. [|ASYCUDA], an UNCTAD programme, provides a technological platform for a Single Window environment which covers key foreign trade procedures. = = =Next:= Single Window Evolution