Single Window

Single window is a facility that allows parties involved in trade and transport to file standardized information and documents with a single entry point to fulfill all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements (http://tfig.unece.org). The purpose of a single window is to provide a platform and processes for a paperless (electronic) exchange of trade information between participants in the trade process that largely accomplished through a single electronic lodgment. A single window is made up from an organic mixture of the collaborative efforts of all of the parties involved in a nation’s international trade activities. It uses the latest ICT techniques; international data and messaging standards together with simplified, harmonized and remodeled information systems for data exchange, in order to replace traditional paper-based information.

National Single Window (NSW) is a concept that refers to the implementation of a national system that will act as a single point of contact for the electronic submission and exchange of (especially) freight related information between public and private stakeholders from different transport modes (Niculescu&Minea, 2016). The ultimate national single window includes all of the information exchanged by traders; Government departments (including customs); maritime, air, road, rail and inland waterway transport systems; port and terminal operators; and a range of other participants in the trade process, including freight forwarders, customs brokers, shipping agents, banks and insurance companies (https://www.wto.org).

Port Community Systems (PCS) is an electronic platform that enables and facilitates the secure electronic exchange of information between public and private agencies involved in the processes necessary for cargo management in ports that can be seen as local Single Windows according to as they provide the core services associated with SW (Niculescu&Minea, 2016):

  • simple, fast and efficient electronic information exchange and centralization;
  • submission of customs declarations and processing of dangerous goods;
  • tracking and tracing;
  • electronic generation and handling of maritime and any other type of statistics

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe or the UNECE Recommendation No.33 provided Single Window as a platform or facility that facilitates the exchange of trade relevant information between traders and government agencies, and amongst government agencies, for obtaining permits and licenses, certificates and necessary approvals. It does so by allowing traders, or their agents, to submit trade documents and data, in electronic or paper form, through a single entry point.

Figure 2.1Comparison of Before and After INSW

(Source: UNECE Recommendation 33)

Based on the Figure 2.1 above, the situation for trading activities before Single Window exist was more complicated where each party has to cooperate with other parties. It is clear that having INSW to facilitate a single submission window makes the process more simple and organized in flow.