So, what
were the problems before?
There were factors that inhibited the
processes at customs. One of them is a large number of regulatory
procedures by various control agencies. This list includes
sanitary-epidemiological, veterinary-sanitary, phytosanitary,
ecological and radiological control. Until today, these checks were
long and could drag on for a long time, especially when each of the
responsible authorities worked separately. The Single Window system
which integrates all information systems services is designed to
solve this problem. Now regulatory authorities are required to
conduct work only through this system.
So how to
work “Single Window” and what new will this system offer users?
Firstly,
the Single Window provides the implementation of all controlling
procedures using information technology system of the customs. The officials of the
controlling bodies will have an internet access to the database
through a special web interface designed on the basis of relevant
systems of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine. Access will be
provided free to all parties. Thus, controlling services, physically
located in different places, can exchange the information that will
be stored in a single database. So, finally, there would be ensured
effective coordination of activities of all services throughout the
whole territory of Ukraine.
Secondly,enterprises prepare and submit the necessary documents only once in electronic form. Thus, the company must send an e-mail and scanned documents with electronic signature to pass the relevant type of state control. The declarant can also report through the Single Window regulatory authorities about particular time and place of customs control procedure convenient for him.
An overview of products is made simultaneously by all agencies and not later than 24 working hours from time proposed by the company. The information system reports on the implementation of the relevant type of state control immediately after the submitting by the authorized person of the information on the approved decision.
Thirdly,the time for regulatory state authorities to decide on the respective type of control will be only 4 working hours.If there is no decision made within four working hours after receiving thee-mail and required scanned documents, the principle of“acquiescence” is applied, and decision is taken automatically with detailed justification. This decision is the basis for completion of customs control and clearance of goods.
Fourthly, the newly established information system will provide the ability to store documents and protocols of action over 1,095 days (3 years).
As you can see, the Single Window has several advantages. The most important, of course, is reducing corruption in customs activities through providing transparency of customs authorities’ activities and minimizing direct contact of entrepreneurs with government officials. Also due to the moving of all processes into the electronic form, control over the service officers and their solutions will be greatly improved.
In addition, finally actions of all regulatory authorities involved in border crossing and declaration of goods are unified; an effective communication platform between the parties is established; procedure of submission of the documents is simplified. This allows to speed up customs procedures and thus save time and money for businesses.
In my opinion, the Single Window is one of the best tools to simplify the procedures for importing and exporting goods through the customs border of Ukraine. Both business and government will benefit from the launching of this system – we’ll achieve the modernization of services and regulatory structures.
