The digitalisation of international trade in the UK is expected to gather pace this year, with the expected passage into law of the Electronic Trade Documents Bill and the introduction of a new single trade window (STW).
The Government is expecting to begin introducing the STW from November and it will be hoping that it will help to remove unnecessary bureaucracy for traders by giving them a single entry point into its border systems when submitting data relating to trade.
Consultation paper
Last year, the UK Government published a consultation paper on the UK Single Trade Window aimed at stakeholders involved in the importing and exporting of goods, including those who provide services to businesses that import and/or export goods, such as intermediaries, haulage firms, carriers, and Community System Providers (CSPs).
This would be a single gateway into Government through which all information required to import and export can be submitted to all border authorities and agencies. The stated aim is nothing less than to “reshape trader interactions with the border”.
At the moment, many traders are obliged to provide detailed information – often across multiple platforms – about their businesses and goods for every shipment. An STW will, by contrast, use technology and data to create a “tell once, in one place” digital system which will save businesses time and money, and make international trade easier.
Effectiveness and efficiency
The World Customs Organisation (WCO) is strongly encouraging nations to participate in changing borders from physical entities – which emphasises policing, security, and management – into places where trade is promoted and facilitated, and risk is appropriately managed.
The WCO, established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC) is an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations.
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