Business Reforms for Trading Across Borders

Albania

Implementation of ASYCUDA World and the purchase of scanners have reduced import customs clearance time.

Algeria

The level of uncoordinated inspections was increased, causing additional delays to the customs clearance process and an increase in the time needed to cross-border trade.

Angola

Angola reduced the time for trading across borders by making investments in port infrastructure and administration.

Trade across borders was expedited with a customs improvement program that streamlined procedures and lowered trade times and costs.

Armenia

Armenia made trading easier by introducing self-declaration desks at customs houses and warehouses, investing in new equipment to improve border operations and introducing a risk management system.

By encouraging competition in banking, transportation, and customs brokerage services, as well as reducing the number of goods requiring inspection and streamlining the number of documents needed to clear goods, Armenia has sped trade across borders.

The implementation of an electronic data interchange system ("Direct Trader Input") allows customs brokers to submit declarations electronically to the customs offices. Still in its early stage, the new process already contributed to halving the time for document preparation. Electronic transmission also means less opportunity for corruption.

Austria

An electronic customs clearance system started working on January 1, 2007. It includes a risk management system that allows officials to target inspections enabling customs to focus on cargo deemed “risky.” This has reduced the inspected cargo to 5% of total trade. As a result, customs clearance became much faster, currently taking on average one hour compared to one day in 2005.

Azerbaijan

The time required to clear goods and get them across borders was shortened by regrouping various agencies into a single customs service window.

Bahrain

Bahrain made it easier to trade by building a modern new port, improving the electronic data interchange system and introducing risk-based inspections.

Bangladesh

Automation of customs clearance at the Chittagong port has shortened the time required to clear goods.

Belarus

Belarus reduced the time to trade by introducing electronic declaration of exports and imports.

Implementation of a risk-based management system and improvement of border crossing operations reduced transit times for trade.

A new customs code and new banking regulations reduced the time to export.

Belgium

Belgium made trading across borders faster by improving its risk-based profiling system for imports.

Benin

Implementation of an electronic document system has improved the time needed to clear goods at customs.

The export process was sped up by two days by improving port infrastructure.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

A comprehensive customs reform project was implemented, creating a new customs law and establishing a new customs administration which has lowered the time needed for trade.

Botswana

A computerization effort, which included training customs officers in using an electronic data interchange system, sped the processing of trade documents and reduced the time to export by two days and the time to import by a day.

Brazil

The time to export was reduced by four days. Authorities merged the current manifest reporting system, “Merchante” (for imports) and “Siscomex” (for exports) into a new and unique system, “Siscomex Carga.” Due to an increase in the shares of traders allotted “green line” status, the number of inspections was reduced, speeding up the customs process.

In ‘trading across borders', Brazil has also upgraded their EDI system and reduced importing delays.

Brunei

The introduction of an electronic customs system in Brunei Darussalam made trading easier.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria made trading across borders faster by introducing online submission of customs declaration forms.

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso reduced documentation requirements for importers and exporters, making it easier to trade.

The creation of a one-stop shop for commercial trade documents has expedited trade across borders.

Cambodia

Cambodia eliminated preshipment inspections, reducing the time and number of documents required for importing and exporting.

Cameroon

Improvements at the Guichet Unique du Commerce Exterieur of Douala port, and implementation of a cargo GPS tracking system as well as scanners reduced the time to import and export, and improved the security of goods transiting within Cameroon.

Chile

Chile made trading across borders faster by implementing an online electronic data interchange system for customs operations.

China

Trade credit restrictions were relaxed in response to the economic and financial crisis. Foreign exchange authorization is no longer required.

Colombia

Implementation of an electronic declaration system has expedited customs clearance.

Trading across borders was expedited: better banking services and the implementation of e-payments, electronic data interchange, and coordinated inspections in customs reduced the time to import and export.

By extending port operating hours, adopting more selective customs inspections, time for ports and terminal handling activities has been reduced.

Congo, Dem. Rep.

Participation by private companies in terminal handling at the port of Matadi has improved services, reducing the time taken to handle cargo.

Costa Rica

Traders were allowed to directly transmit customs declarations electronically and improved the capacity of the customs services resulting in reduced cross border trade.

Croatia

Ongoing improvements to port infrastructure sped terminal handling for exports.

Djibouti

Djibouti made trading across borders faster by developing a new container terminal.

Port administration was improved and the number of documents required for exporting and importing was reduced. That cut the time needed to import, and the documents needed to import and export.

The time for cross-border trade was reduced mainly by implementing an E-manifest system that is helping to expedite the customs clearance process. Djibouti also opened the way for private participation in the provision of port services.

Dominican Republic

Authorities reduced the time to export by improving the online portal for customs documentation and payment.

Ecuador

The trade process was streamlined through improvements in port infrastructure and banking services and a reduction in the number of documents required. The changes reduced the time to import and export.

Egypt

Egypt made trading easier by introducing an electronic system for submitting export and import documents.

The port of Alexandria continued to upgrade its facilities and sped customs clearance, reducing the time to trade.

New one-stop shops were launched for traders at the ports, cutting the time to import and export.

El Salvador

El Salvador reduced time to import and export through modernization of its customs system and physical inspections, increased traffic control, implementation of a single window, and improvements in the banking sector.

A one-stop shop for importers was established thereby facilitating the documentation and approval process.

Equatorial Guinea

Trading across borders became more difficult as the ‘conditional release’ facility, whereby a temporary export declaration could be issued and clearance completed pursuant to the submission of more complete documentation at a later date, was cancelled.

Eritrea

The infrastructure at Massawa port was upgraded as well as the roads between Massawa and the capital, Asmara, facilitating trade.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia made trading easier by addressing internal bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Fiji

Fiji made trading easier by opening customer care service centers and improving customs operations.

France

Customs clearance was made easier by introducing electronic filing and eliminating certain documents.

Gabon

Trade was made more burdensome by the introduction of an additional document to import and export.

Gambia

The Gambia made trading across borders faster by implementing the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA).

The compulsory scanning requirement for all containers was abandoned and a random inspection process was introduced that reduced delays linked with customs inspection.

Georgia

The documentation requirements for import and export were simplified, and there was a significant decrease in the cost of trade.

Ghana

Operational changes at the Port Authority permitted to reduce importation time.

Grenada

Grenada’s customs administration made trading faster by simplifying procedures, reducing inspections, improving staff training and enhancing communication with users.

With ongoing training of customs agents and brokers and implementation of electronic reference sources, Grenada has reduced the time for trading across borders.

Guatemala

The implementation of a new Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system for electronic submission of customs declarations and the introduction of risk-based inspection regime decreased the time for exporting procedures one day.

Guyana

Guyana improved its risk profiling system for customs inspection, reducing physical inspections of shipments and the time to trade.

Registration with the tax authorities was streamlined with the introduction of a single tax identification number for corporate, value added, and labor taxes. Implementation of an electronic declaration system reduced customs clearance times for exports and imports.

Haiti

With the implementation of the ASYCUDA system and 24-hour operations at the port, goods can be cleared faster in Haiti.

The time required to export was reduced by a day, by implementing risk-based inspections in customs.

Honduras

Honduras made trading across borders faster by implementing a web-based electronic data interchange system and X-ray machines at the port of Puerto Cortes.

Importing was made easier by abolishing a requirement for consular legalization of trade documents.

India

An electronic data interchange (EDI) was implemented, allowing exporters to submit documents to customs online. The EDI system also enables customs to automatically assess export documents, making customs clearance more efficient. The new system reduced the time needed to export.

Through introduction of an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system, customs declarations are now carried out through the internet. This system has also allowed the operation of a Risk Management System (RMS), an E-manifest system, and an E-payment system which facilitated the decrease in import time by 7 days.

Indonesia

Indonesia reduced the time to export by launching a single-window service.

Iran

Trade times were shortened by the installation of scanners at the port of Shahid Rajaee and the reorganization of customs clearance offices to separate inspections of special goods (chemicals, petroleum) from those of general goods.

Israel

Israel made trading across borders easier by changing the method used to calculate port fees.

Israel is expanding its electronic data interchange system and developing a single-window framework, allowing easier assembly of documents required by different authorities and reducing the time to trade.

Jordan

Jordan made trading across borders faster by introducing X-ray scanners for risk management systems.

Trade was made more efficient by implementing a risk-based inspection regime of post-destination clearance for preapproved traders as well as by reducing to 30 percent the share of containers subject to physical inspection. In addition, implementation of new software allowing online submissions of customs declarations has reduced customs clearance times by two days for exporters and three days for importers.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan speeded up trade through efforts to modernize customs, including implementation of a risk management system and improvements in customs automation.

Kenya

Kenya speeded up trade by implementing an electronic cargo tracking system and linking this system to the Kenya Revenue Authority’s electronic data interchange system for customs clearance.

Major trade reforms were implemented, reducing the overall time to import. The opening hours of customs and port authorities were extended, and the number of inspection points between Nairobi and Mombasa port reduced. Kenya also introduced an electronic system allowing traders to submit their documents online.

Korea

A U-customs system is being implemented that is an internet based system customs portal, which provides for an International Single Window.

Kuwait

Improvements to customs administration procedures and staff training have helped shorten the time required to clear goods for import and export.

Kyrgyz Republic

The elimination of six previously required documents and the simplification of inspection procedures has sped up trading across borders.

Lao PDR

Some border cooperation agreements have been implemented which will help to reduce overall time to trade.

Latvia

Latvia reduced the time to export and import by introducing electronic submission of customs declarations.

Liberia

Liberia made trading across borders faster by implementing online submission of customs forms and enhancing risk-based inspections.

The trade process was expedited by creating a one-stop shop bringing together various ministries and agencies, and streamlining the inspection regime.

Trade was reformed by reducing fees for customs clearance and port and terminal handling.

Lithuania

Lithuania reduced the time to import by introducing, in compliance with EU law, an electronic system for submitting customs declarations.

Macedonia, FYR

The time required to import and export fell, thanks to rationalization of the customs fee schedule, permit structure, improved risk based inspections, simplification of a customs procedure, and abolishment of required documents.

Madagascar

Madagascar improved communication and coordination between customs and the terminal port operators through its single-window system (GASYNET), reducing both the time and the cost to export and import.

The country sped trade by implementing an electronic data interchange system, a single window which interfaces with the existing customs system, the port, the private container terminal operator, the commercial banks, the Central Bank, and the Treasury, risk-based inspections, and port improvements. These changes cut the time to import by close to three weeks and the time to export by five days.

Port authorities implemented an electronic data interchange system and privatized port terminal handling, injecting much needed capital and operational expertise. These changes and a streamlining of documentation requirements helped increase productivity and reduce the export time.

Malawi

Implementation of a risk-based inspection regime and a post-destination clearance program for preapproved traders has shortened the time for clearing goods.

Mali

Mali eliminated redundant inspections of imported goods, reducing the time for trading across borders.

Implementation of an electronic data interchange (EDI) system, improvements in the terminals used by Malian traders, and streamlining of required documentation have reduced trade times.

Trade was sped up by implementing an electronic data interchange system and risk-based inspections and improving border cooperation.

Mauritius

The introduction of electronic submissions of customs declarations and bills of lading has expedited trade.

A new risk management system has been implemented, accelerating the custom clearance process for regular law abiding importers.

Mongolia

Trade was facilitated by creating a single window for customs clearance, introducing a partial system of risk management, and implementing post clearance audits. These changes have reduced both the time and the documents required for exporting and importing.

Montenegro

Montenegro’s customs administration simplified trade by eliminating the requirement to present a terminal handling receipt for exporting and importing.

Morocco

Document requirements for importing and exporting were simplified, reducing the time to import.

A new risk-based inspections system was introduced, causing the time to import and export to decrease.

Mozambique

Administrative improvements in customs have helped reduce the time required to clear traded goods.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua expedited trade by migrating to a new electronic data interchange system for customs, setting up a physical one-stop shop for exports and investing in new equipment at the port of Corinto.

Nigeria

Upgrades to the facilities at Apapa port in Lagos sped the import and export process.

Pakistan

Pakistan reduced the time to export by improving electronic communication between the Karachi Port authorities and the private terminals, which have also boosted efficiency by introducing new equipment.

Palau

Trade was facilitated by automating customs declarations. Traders can now submit documents by email or on a flash drive. The time required for import documentation has been reduced.

Paraguay

Trading times were reduced with the implementation of an electronic export system and improvements to the risk-based inspection system.

Peru

Peru made trading easier by implementing a new web-based electronic data interchange system, risk-based inspections and payment deferrals.

Additional cranes have expedited port and terminal handling activities.

Philippines

The Philippines reduced the time and cost to trade by improving its electronic customs systems, adding such functions as electronic payments and online submission of declarations.

The risk management and electronic data interchange system for customs were upgraded, reducing the time to import.

Poland

Poland made trading across borders faster by implementing electronic preparation and submission of customs documents.

Portugal

The efficiency of customs administration was improved through training for agents and enhanced customer service, reducing customs clearance times.

Russia

Russia made trading across borders easier by reducing the number of documents needed for each export or import transaction and lowering the associated cost.

Rwanda

Rwanda reduced the number of trade documents required and enhanced its joint border management procedures with Uganda and other neighbors, leading to an improvement in the trade logistics environment.

By implementing administrative changes—such as increased operating hours and enhanced cooperation at the border, along with the removal of some documentation requirements for importers and exporters—Rwanda has improved trading times.

Trade was facilitated by extending the opening hours of the customs border offices, implementing an electronic data interchange system, and introducing risk-based inspections. Together with growth in the transport sector, this reduced the time to import and export.

The cost of port and terminal handling was reduced by liberalizing the warehouse services sector. The increased competition led to a radical change in the way cost is calculated, effectively reducing it by 40%. Customs declaration points have also been increased to accelerate the process.

São Tomé and Principe

São Tomé and Príncipe made trading across borders faster by adopting legislative, administrative and technological improvements.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia reduced the time to import by launching a new container terminal at the Jeddah Islamic Port.

The country reduced the documents required for importing and the ports and terminal handling time for both imports and exports.

Senegal

Senegal made trading across borders less costly by opening the market for transport, which increased competition.

Processes at the container terminal were improved, shortening the time required to move containers from the port of Dakar. Trade has also been facilitated by improvements to the computerized customs system (GAINDE) and the expansion of the number of agencies included in the network.

The top reformer globally in easing trade, Senegal introduced a single window for customs clearance, cutting document requirements in half. It also set up an electronic data interchange system, implemented risk-based inspections, extended the operating hours of customs, and improved port and road infrastructure.

Seychelles

The Seychelles made trading across borders faster by introducing electronic submission of customs documents.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone made trading across borders faster by implementing the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA).

Despite successful efforts to reduce the time to trade in Sierra Leone, some fees were increased, making trading across borders more costly.

Trade was facilitated by eliminating the requirement for an export license.

Slovakia

Trading times were sped up with an electronic system for customs administration.

Slovenia

Slovenia made trading across borders faster by introducing online submission of customs declaration forms.

Spain

Spain streamlined the documentation for imports by including tax-related information on its single administrative document.

Sri Lanka

An electronic submission of customs declarations was introduced, cutting time for trading.

St. Kitts and Nevis

Trading times were shortened by allowing electronic submission of customs declarations.

Sudan

Trade has been expedited with improved customs clearance and the electronic connection of 10 customs offices—enabling traders to file declarations remotely—and the addition of two scanners at the port of Sudan.

Swaziland

Swaziland reduced the time to import by implementing an electronic data interchange system for customs at its border posts.

Syria

The entry of private banks in the Syrian market sped the issuance of letters of credit lowering the overall time to import and export.

Tanzania

Tanzania made trading across borders faster by implementing the Pre-Arrival Declaration (PAD) system and electronic submission of customs declaration.

Thailand

A new internet-based customs clearance system reduced the number of documents that must be submitted in hard copy for imports and exports.

A one-stop electronic automation stop has allowed Thailand to drop 5 days from its import-export time.

Tunisia

Tunisia upgraded its electronic data interchange system for imports and exports, speeding up the assembly of import documents.

Expansion of the country’s electronic single window will allow Tunisian traders to quickly file all documents required to clear their cargo online, and the system has reduced processing delays by two days.

A new requirement that freight arriving at the port be accompanied by a unit of the customs authority has increased the time to import

Uganda

Trading times were sped up through better customs processes, increased operating hours at the port of Mombasa, and improved cooperation at the border.

Ukraine

Ukraine made trading across borders more difficult by introducing additional inspections for customs clearance of imports.

In trade, improvements to port infrastructure and services reduced the time to import.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates streamlined document preparation and reduced the time to trade with the launch of Dubai Customs’ comprehensive new customs system, Mirsal 2.

Greater capacity at the container terminal, elimination of the terminal handling receipt as a required document, and an increase in trade finance products, have improved trade processes.

Uruguay

In trade, the country implemented electronic data interchange and improved its banking system, reducing the time to export by five days and the time to import.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu made trading across borders faster by upgrading Port-Vila’s wharf infrastructure, which increased the efficiency of port and terminal handling activities.

Venezuela

Further hurdles were added to cross border trading procedures by requiring traders to obtain permits for each shipment leading to an increase time.

Vietnam

Increasing competition in the logistics industry and the application of new customs administration procedures as part of the World Trade Organization (WTO) membership reform program have reduced trade delays.

West Bank and Gaza

More efficient processes at Palestinian customs made trading easier in the West Bank.

Yemen

Implementation of risk-based inspection and installation of an electronic data interchange (EDI) system have reduced the time required to clear goods at customs.

Zambia

Zambia eased trade by implementing a one-stop border post with Zimbabwe, launching web-based submission of customs declarations and introducing scanning machines at border posts.