| Trade Facilitation |
Article Index for Trade |
Website Links For Trade |
Information AboutTrade Facilitation |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT TRADE FACILITATION | |
| international trade | |
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| commercial item transport and distribution | |
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Understanding and use of the term “trade facilitation” varies in the literature and amongst practitioners. The term is largely used by institutions which seek to improve the regulatory interface between government bodies and traders at national borders. It is defined by the WTO as: “The simplification and harmonisation of international trade procedures” where trade procedures are the “activities, practices and formalities involved in collecting, presenting, communicating and processing data required for the movement of goods in international trade”. In defining the term, many trade facilitation proponents will also make reference to the procedures applicable for making payments (e.g. via a commercial banks). 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". Occasionally, the term is extended to address a wider agenda in economic development and trade and may include: improvement of transport infrastructure, removal of government corruption, reduction of customs tariffs, removal of inverted tariffs, removal of non-tariff trade barriers, and export marketing and promotion. Regulatory procedures in the control of international trade go beyond the Customs area and include fiscal controls, safety and security measures, environment and health checks, consumer protection mechanisms, and trade policy regulations. -- 10:51, 14 April 2006 (UTC) EXAMPLES OF REGULATORY ACTIVITY IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE: 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; CAP refunds -- 10:51, 14 April 2006 (UTC) EXTERNAL LINKS Global Facilitation Partnership {Link without Title} : a collaborative tool for practitioners and policy makers involved in trade facilitation and transport facilitation (TTF) |
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