Single Window – The European Commission’s Perspective UNECE Symposium on Single Window Standards and Interoperability Geneva 3-5 May 2006

UNECE Symposium on Single Window Content The Commission’s Perspective Legal Framework Definition – Vision Methodology and Progress Inter-Service Working Group Way Forward Strategic Seminar on Single Window in March 2006 3 May 2006 UNECE Symposium on Single Window

Single Window – the Commission’s Perspective Essential and most difficult part of the electronic customs initiative Full scope single window Electronic format envisaged Based on international standards To be managed by customs Probably not unique single window for the EU No shift of competences between administrations Ideally to be connected with one stop shop 3 May 2006 UNECE Symposium on Single Window

UNECE Symposium on Single Window Legal Framework Communication on the role of e-Government for Europe’s future (COM (2003) 567) i2010 e-Government Action Plan (COM (2006) 173) Council resolution on creating a simple and paperless environment for customs and trade (2003/C 305/1) ‘Electronic customs decision’ (COM (2005) 609) ‘Modernised’ Customs Code (COM (2005) 608) 3 May 2006 UNECE Symposium on Single Window

UNECE Symposium on Single Window Definition - Vision Definition in the recitals of the Modernised Customs Code: To achieve facilitation of business and to provide for the proper controls of goods, the information provided by economic operators is to be shared under data protection provisions between customs and other agencies involved in that control and the goods are to be controlled by these authorities at the same time and the same place (‘one stop shop’). 3 May 2006 UNECE Symposium on Single Window

Methodology and Progress The single window initiative at the Commission is starting Commission inter-service group works from June 2005: to coordinate the approach of the single window concept at the Commission level to explore and report on all Commission legislation and systems relevant to the international trade of goods. High level strategic seminar on single window in March 2006 3 May 2006 UNECE Symposium on Single Window

Inter-Service Working Group Working document prepared on the concept of single window provides the inventory of (existing and future) databases, electronic systems and exchange of information and documents existing at the Commission (DG TAXUD, DG AGRI, DG ENV, DG FISH, DG OLAF, DG SANCO, DG TRADE, DG TREN); provides also inventory of certificates listed in TARIC, overview of scientific projects and studies of international organisations. 3 May 2006 UNECE Symposium on Single Window

UNECE Symposium on Single Window Way Forward Legal provisions providing for the obligation to co-operate Launching Community action at national level Interlinked projects in the electronic customs initiative have already been launched into further steps of the implementation process – e.g. single electronic access point 3 May 2006 UNECE Symposium on Single Window

Strategic Seminar on Single Window - Background Need to promote the single window concept Need of a common approach and understanding of the single window Need of initial agreement for the concept Need to identify and discuss possible problems Need of setting priorities 3 May 2006 UNECE Symposium on Single Window

Strategic Seminar on Single Window - Conclusions Definition of single window: an electronic system allowing economic operators to lodge standardised information and receive the respective answers/results through a single electronic message to a single body allowing the sharing/supplying of information between customs authorities and other authorities/agencies involved in the movement of goods across borders taking account the relevant data protection provisions 3 May 2006 UNECE Symposium on Single Window

Strategic Seminar on Single Window - Conclusions Possible problems identified: legal basis for exchange of information missing non-compatibility of existing IT systems not a clear definition of responsibilities of respective administrations lack of trust and confidence between the stakeholders special training necessary difficult quantification of costs and benefits of single window 3 May 2006 UNECE Symposium on Single Window

Strategic Seminar on Single Window – Action Points Seek political consensus and support in the Commission and the member states Provide legal basis Prepare feasibility study prepare cost-benefit analysis define priorities and milestones (road map) Follow international standards Consult trade representatives 3 May 2006 UNECE Symposium on Single Window

Questions and Comments DG TAXUD website: http://www.cc.cec/dgintranet/taxud/index_en.htm Eva Kaňovská, DG TAXUD eva.kanovska@cec.eu.int +32-2-295-88-32 3 May 2006 UNECE Symposium on Single Window