Trade facilitation

Trade facilitation looks at how procedures and controls governing the movement of goods across national borders can be improved to reduce associated cost burdens and maximise efficiency while safeguarding legitimate regulatory objectives.

For example, UN/CEFACT defines trade facilitation as "the simplification, standardization and harmonisation of procedures and associated information flows required to move goods from seller to buyer and to make payment".

[3] The WTO TFA has become the new baseline for trade facilitation, with many countries striving to implement measures going beyond those included in this Agreement in order to maintain a competitive advantage in global markets.

4) The expansion of production processes based on the principles of Just-In-Time (JIT) and of e-commerce shipments, which increased the requirements for the speed release of goods by customs.

Fiscal: Collection of customs duties, excise duties and other indirect taxes; payment mechanisms Safety and security: Security and anti smuggling controls; dangerous goods; vehicle checks; immigration and visa formalities Environment and health: Phytosanitary, veterinary and hygiene controls; health and safety measures; CITES controls; ships’ waste Consumer protection: Product testing; labelling; conformity checks with marketing standards (e.g. fruit and vegetables) Trade policy: Administration of quota restrictions; export refunds Trade facilitation has its intellectual roots in the fields of logistics and supply chain management.