. /.   WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  TN/TF/W/100 
10 May 2006 
 (06-2278) 
Negotiating Group on Trade Facilitation Original:   English 
  
 
COMMUNICATION FROM CHILE, THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, JAPAN, KOREA, 
MONGOLIA, AND SINGAPORE 
  
 The following communication, dated 9 May 2006, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegations of Japan, Korea, Mongolia, New Zeala nd, Singapore, Switzerland, and the Separate 
Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.  
_______________ 
  
PROPOSAL ON THE INTRODUCTION OF  
SINGLE WINDOW/ONE-TI ME SUBMISSION 
  
1. This submission is to present the key elements  on the establishment and application of single 
window/one-time submission which are summarized from existing proposals.
1  Also identified are the 
elements that need further discussions among Member s for greater clarification and specification.  
I. INTRODUCTION 
- The main purpose of single window/one-time submission is to allow parities involved in 
trade and transport to lodge required informa tion and documents with a single entry point 
on a one-time basis, to fulfil all imports , exports, and transit-related regulatory 
requirements. 
II. KEY ELEMENTS OF SINGLE WINDOW 
- All documentation and data requirements fo r exportation and importation are submitted, 
one time only, to a single entry point and distributed to all the relevant authorities. 
- Coordination is endeavoured among the rele vant authorities in introducing a single 
window/one-time submission environment. 
- A single window does not necessarily imply the implementation and use of high-tech 
information and communication technology (ICT) , although facilitation can be enhanced 
if relevant ICT technologies are identified and adopted.2 
                                                      
1 Japan, Mongolia, Chinese Taipei a nd Peru (TN/TF/W/17), Korea (TN/TF/W /18), Peru (TN/TF/W/30), Turkey 
(TN/TF/W/45), EC (TN/TF/W/46), Chile (TN/TF/W/70). S ee also Canada (TN/TF/W/ 20), Singapore (TN/TF/W/58), 
Thailand (TN/TF/W/61), Egypt (TN/TF/W/69). 
2 Recommendations and Guidelines on Establishing a Single Window, Recommenda tion No. 33, UN/CEFFACT, 
July 2005. TN/TF/W/100 
Page 2  
 
  III. ELEMENTS THAT NEED FURTHER DISCUSSION 
- Use of international standards where applicable.
3 
- A single point of decision making for the release of cargo. 
- Means of achieving single window/one-time submission environment (including the 
option of using electronic form). 
- Notification of single window through the Secretariat. 
- Built-in Flexibilities 
y Recognising each Member will have its own unique requirements and conditions; 
y Phase-in approach for implementation: fo r example, initial introduction of single 
window for items that are subject to norma l customs procedures, such as non-dutiable 
and/or non-controlled goods, and progressive extension of application to those with 
specific procedural or inspection requirements. 
- Special and Differential Treatment, possibly including 
y Longer implementation time, temporary exem ptions of commitments for developing 
countries and least-developed countries. 
- Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
y Identify specific needs and priorities (e.g., f easibility study, review of legal issues, 
developing project management plan); 
y Human resource training session by releva nt international organizations and 
Members; 
y Building up co-coordination capacity with  regard to documentation and data 
requirements among the relevant agencies (including the option of using electronic form). 
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3 International standards and practices include R ecommendation No. 33 and its Guidelines by UN/CEFACT, 
Transitional Standard 3.35 of the WCO Revised Kyoto Conven tion and Article 5.5 of the IMO Convention on Facilitation of 
International Maritime Traffic.