SITPRO's report on the potential benefits of a Single Window to UK Business has now been published and can be found at: http://www.sitpro.org.uk/reports/sitproitswrpt.pdf (pdf 324KB 
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Compiled on the basis of extensive consultation with a wide range of trade interests it concludes that introduction of a single window environment would deliver cost savings and efficiency gains to UK traders and government. Equally importantly it would provide a platform for the introduction of proposed data notification requirements for security purposes in a way which would maximise risk targeting without imposing additional burdens on legitimate businesses.
The report emphasises that whilst the UK already has relatively sophisticated electronic systems for handling international trade movements these remain fragmented leaving traders to interface with a range of government departments and agencies on a piecemeal basis. At the same time businesses need to search a variety of government sources to obtain advice and guidance on import and export requirements.
Single Window is a way of delivering a package of measures which can improve the international trade environment. It can be the mechanism for traders to meet a range of government requirements by supplying data electronically once only and to receive in return licences and authorisations. It can also be a single source for both information and access to pre-populated forms.
The report has proved to be particularly timely as it complements the work being undertaken by Business.gov in looking at how Single Window can benefit the work of government. For the first time the advantages and synergies that Single Window can deliver to trade, government departments and agencies are being properly analysed together to build a coherent case.
However there is still a long way to go and interest and support from the trade will continue to be needed as the concept is developed and refined.
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 52, Spring 2005
