. /.  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  TN/TF/W/20 
18 March 2005 
 
 (05-1144) 
Negotiating Group on Trade Facilitation Original:   English 
  
 
COMMUNICATION FROM CANADA 
  
 The following communication, dated 16 March 2005, from the Delegation of Canada, is being 
circulated in advance of the Negotiating Group meeting of 22-24 March.  
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POSSIBLE COMMITMENTS ON BORDER AGENCY COORDINATION 
 
A Proposal by Canada
 
  
I. BACKGROUND 
1. Import and export formalities often involve inte raction between the customs agency and other 
domestic agencies or departments that have an inte rest in the cross-border movement of goods.  For 
example, goods may be subject to other government department requirements and may require special 
permits, certificates and/or examination. 
2. In some instances, customs aut horities may administer the import and export interests of a 
number of relevant departments and agencies involve d in border-processes and procedures.  In others, 
these departments or agencies may play a formal role  in the import process by administering their acts 
and/or regulations independently at the border, or  in cooperation with the customs agency.  In any 
instance, the objective is to promote transparency and predictability while maintaining flexibility in 
regulatory and administrative design and organization. 
3. Measures are needed to address the increasing complexity, costs and delays that result from 
the proliferation of procedures and departments involved in cross-border transactions.  A more 
cooperative relationship between customs authorities a nd other interested agencies or departments, as 
well as between agencies active on both sides of a bor der, could greatly facilitate border crossings for 
the trading community. 
II. PROPOSAL 
4. We suggest that WTO Members consider commitments on ways and means to ensure that the 
activities and requirements of all agencies present at  borders are coordinated in a manner designed to 
facilitate trade.  Measures could focus on the following objectives: 
(a) the compatibility or standardization of im port/export data requi rements of various 
agencies so as to allow importers and expor ters to present all required data to only 
one border agency, (i.e., a "single window" approach, which could be designed to 
take into account, where possible, the use of relevant electronic technology); TN/TF/W/20 
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(b) the coordination of procedures and formaliti es, including agreements (across borders 
if necessary) that (i) ensure cooperation between customs authorities and other interested agencies on coordinating border controls and (ii) establish technical and operational measures to regulate the functi oning of integrated border controls 
(e.g., controls through a single, shared  physical infrastructure in which the 
neighbouring countries’ customs ser vices operate side by side). 
5. Special and differential treatment provisions reflecting the specific circumstances of 
individual Members could be incorporated within commitments, for example through provisions for 
progressive implementation. 
III. BENEFITS 
6. Border agency coordination is of key importa nce to traders, especially small-and medium-
sized ones.  It could significantly simplify the submission of required documentation, hence reducing the risk of Customs officials denying or delaying entry of goods on grounds of incomplete submission 
of information.  This will, in turn, provides for quicker release of goods and reductions in delivery 
delays and transaction costs. 
7. Governments also benefit from reduced ad ministrative costs while efficiency and 
transparency are enhanced.  In addition, simplif ied procedures reduce the incentive for traders to 
circumvent applicable customs laws and require ments.  Streamlining and reducing duplicative 
requirements would reduce the workload involved in th e clearance of shipments.  Better exchange and 
sharing of information amongst agencies would also  streamline the import process for goods subject 
to review by those agencies, hence improving cust om agencies’ performance with respect to time 
release.   
IV. IMPLEMENTATION COSTS 
8. For countries without complex inter-agency pro cedures, or where coordination already exists, 
implementation costs would be minimal.  For ot hers, possible new costs include supplementary 
training for officers to administer regulatory require ments on behalf of other agencies.  At the same 
time, eliminating duplication of functions is likely to reduce costs. 
V. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 
9. Technical assistance efforts in training and ad ministration of Customs can include elements 
focusing on ways to improve coordination and reduce duplication among border agencies, so as to 
enable developing economies to facilitate trade an d investment, as well as to enhance efficiency and 
transparency through improved processes. 
 
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