Reforming the Regulatory Procedures for Import and Export: Guide for Practitioners

Customs reform can enhance countries’ competitiveness, particularly in the developing world where red tape, rampant fraud, and corruption within customs agencies keep trade costs high. Streamlining import processes and choosing efficient export regimes is increasingly important in the context of expanding trade and the demands of the WTO, regional trade rules such as for the EU, and security compliance. Modern technology and practices are required, from paperless processing to automated risk management.

Success relies on the comprehensiveness of reform, from issue diagnosis to impact assessment. Multiple stakeholders need to be involved, including cargo handlers, warehouse operators, banks, and the police. This toolkit provides detailed information on best clearance processes and best export and duty deferral regimes (exemptions, drawback, free zones, etc).

Download the toolkit (PDF, 1.2MB).