Trade facilitation
A set of measures aimed at simplifying, harmonising, and automating international trade procedures to reduce costs and delays.
Definition and stakes
Trade facilitation encompasses all measures aimed at simplifying and speeding up international trade procedures: customs formalities, border controls, documentary requirements, and transit. According to the OECD, facilitation measures can reduce trade costs by 10-15%.
The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA)
Adopted at the Bali Conference (2013) and entering into force in 2017, the TFA is the first multilateral agreement concluded since the WTO's creation. It requires members to:
- Publish and make available trade-related information
- Provide advance rulings (binding information)
- Implement rapid release procedures for goods
- Establish a national single window
- Ensure cooperation between border agencies
The AEO programme
The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status is a key pillar of facilitation. Certified operators benefit from:
- Reduced physical and documentary controls
- Simplified customs clearance procedures
- Mutual recognition between countries (EU-Japan, EU-US agreements, etc.)
Single window
The EU Customs Single Window Environment (EU CSW-CERTEX) enables automatic verification of certificates required for import/export. This digitalisation significantly reduces delays and documentary errors.