ABSTRACT
Complaints about excessive red-tape and bureaucracy are frequent in international trade operations. The volume of paperwork and hurdles in ensuring compliance with set trade and customs procedures can be extensive. 1 Efficient and timely trade operations are all too often made dependent on the ability to manage trade and customs compliance effectively – preferably electronic and automated. The potential gain to be had from procedural reform is significant. Each 1 per cent reduction in trade-related transaction costs is estimated by the OECD to yield a worldwide benefit worth US$43 billion (OECD 2003). In countries with high levels of perceived bureaucracy, opportunity for trade facilitation-focused reform is particularly great. Trade facilitation promises improved business competitiveness, accelerated trade-led growth, a more streamlined and service-orientated public administration, as well as more efficient revenue collection and tighter security.
