1. UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON HARMONIZATION OF FRONTIER CONTROL OF GOODS, Poul Hansen United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Transport Division
17-18 October 2006
Moscow
UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Trade Facilitation

2. UNECE involvement in transport facilitation
Focal point for regulatory and technical intergovernmental development in the transport facilitation
Traditionally originates in Europe (UNECE) due to early identification of needs. Overland focus.
Examples: TIR Convention, Temporary importation
17-18 October 2006
Moscow
UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Trade Facilitation

3. Aim of the Harmonization Convention UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Simplify customs and administrative border crossing procedures (sanitary, veterinary, physosanitary etc.)
Harmonize formalities
Reduce the number and duration of controls
Standardize documentation
Co-ordinates national and international control procedures
17-18 October 2006
Moscow
UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Trade Facilitation

4. Benefits of the Harmonization Convention UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Reduction of border delays,
Reduction of transport cost
Reduction of trade transaction cost
Reduction of border operating costs for State budget
More efficient investments in border facilities
17-18 October 2006
Moscow
UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Trade Facilitation

5. Scope of the Harmonization Convention UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Covers all issues of frontier controls for goods
Covers all modes of transport
Contains specific provisions for certain transport modes
Globally applicable, although European based
Global application, UNECE ITC Resolution No. 230
17-18 October 2006
Moscow
UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Trade Facilitation

6. Main features of the Harmonization Convention
Chapter I: General provisions incl. definitions
Chapter II: Harmonization of procedures
Co-ordination of controls,
Resources of the services,
International co-operation,
Co-operation between adjacent countries,
Exchange of information, documents
Chapter III: Goods in transit
Chapter IV: Miscellaneous
Operational annexes
17-18 October 2006
Moscow
UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Trade Facilitation

7. Application of the Harmonization Convention
Accession (UN Secretary General depositary)
Relation to other treaties
Contracting Parties (48 countries)
17-18 October 2006
Moscow
UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Trade Facilitation

8. UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Harmonization Convention
Contracting Parties
17-18 October 2006
Moscow
UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Trade Facilitation

9. Harmonization Convention UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
http.//border.unece.org
17-18 October 2006
Moscow
UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Trade Facilitation

10. Harmonization Convention
UNECE SECRETARIAT
8-14, Avenue de Paix CH-1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland
Phone:
Fax: address:
17-18 October 2006
Moscow
UNECE/EurAsEC Conference on
Trade Facilitation