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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Questions and Comments
DG TAXUD website:
Eva Kaňovská, DG TAXUD
3 May 2006
UNECE Symposium on Single Window