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Recommendation 36: Single Window Interoperability

Published:
The Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has a long history of offering trade facilitation guidance, especially on the topic of Single Window. Since its emergence in 2004, Recommendation 33 on implementing a Single Window has been widely received as the reference on the subject and is used as the basis for many other organizations’ work as well as the cornerstone of many national implementations around the world.

The United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and E-business (UN/CEFACT) has remained dedicated to developing further guidance on key aspects of single window such as data harmonization and legally enabling environment.

As recognized within the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, the implementation of a Single Window can be a catalyser for trade facilitation within an economy. This offers opportunities for streamlining processes and simplifying data requirements. Still the advantages do not just stop within the borders of one economy; they can go well beyond. Connecting countries with better data and process harmonization can contribute to drive progress in participating economies and thus improve the livelihood of private sector actors.
Download the Publication ECE/TRADE/431 in English