Trade Facilitation Recommendations

Recommendation 1 provides an international basis for the standardization of documents used in international trade and transport, including the visual representation of such documents. The United Nations Layout Key is intended particularly to serve as a basis for designing aligned series of forms employing a master document in a reprographic one run method of document preparation. It can also be used to design screen layouts for the visual display of electronic documents.

Recommendation 2  is a revision of 1981 Recommendation on ECE Layout Key. It aims at promoting the use of clear, structured semantics and coded information in data exchange. Using codified data instead of textual inputs and referencing freely available code lists can ensure that all parties involved understand the same data in the same way. This Recommendation with its guidelines provides a clear definition of key concepts, elaborates on the supply chain process-driven approach to trade data exchanges, outlines the structure of electronic data exchanges and lists key anchors. The Recommendation is supplemented by UN/CEFACT Code lists and the semantic dictionary of key international trade terms for use within UN/CEFACT work.

Recommendation 4 recommends that Governments establish and support national trade facilitation bodies with balanced private and public sector participation in order to: a) identify issues affecting the cost and efficiency of their country’s international trade; b) develop measures to reduce the cost and improve the efficiency of international trade; c) assist in the implementation of those measures; d) provide a national focal point for the collection and dissemination of information on best practices in international trade facilitation; and e) participate in international efforts to improve trade facilitation and efficiency.

Recommendation 6 applies to the design of commercial invoices for international trade in goods. The layout key can also be used as a basis for designing invoices for other uses. Invoices based on this Recommendation are intended, to the extent possible, to present the required data in such a way that the invoice could complement or in certain cases replace existing documents (e.g. Customs invoices, consular invoices, declarations of origin, etc.)

Recommendation 8 originally entitled “Common Access Reference”, provides a unique reference number for each international trade transaction linking goods with documents and replacing other references, where feasible, with this unique identification code.

Recommendation 11 sets forth actions to harmonize information requirements and to simplify documentary procedures for the transport of dangerous goods in order to decrease complexity and increase accuracy and efficiency.

Recommendation 12 aims at the simplification, rationalization and harmonization of procedures and documents used to evidence the contract of carriage in maritime transport. It encourages the use of sea waybills or other non-negotiable transport documents instead of negotiable transport documents, such as bills of lading. This should facilitate the introduction of electronic data interchange.

Recommendation 13 proposes solutions to various legal problems related to import clearance procedures.

Recommendation 14 seeks to encourage the use of electronic data transfer in international trade by recommending that Governments review national and international requirements for signatures on international trade documents, in order to eliminate the requirement for paper documents by meeting the requirement for signatures through authentication methods or guarantees, which can be electronically transmitted. In 2014, the title of the Recommendation was changed from the original “Authentication of Trade Documents by Means Other Than Signature.”

Recommendation 15 describes a simple and standardized approach to identify cargo in order to reduce costs, mistakes, confusion and shipment delays. The Standard Shipping Mark established in this Recommendation should be used for marking on packages moved internationally by all modes of transport, for reproduction in related documents and for data elements in trade related information technology applications.

Recommendation 18 outlines measures related to the movement of goods, grouped according to the phases of an international trade transaction, which on their own would not justify an independent formal recommendation, but which Governments should consider implementing. Each section describes the application area, outlines the procedures and describes the particular problems for which facilitation measures are provided.

Recommendation 22 presents a layout key, based on the United Nations Layout Key for Trade Documents, for the design of Standard Consignment Instructions intended to convey instructions from either a seller/consignor or a buyer/consignee to a freight forwarder, carrier or his agent, or other provider of service, enabling the movement of goods and associated activities.

Recommendation 25 supports coordinated action by Governments to promote UN/EDIFACT as the single international standard for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) between public administrations and private companies in all economic sectors worldwide.
Over 200 UN/EDIFACT messages are available for the exchange of data and are updated twice a year. The UN/EDIFACT syntax is ISO-9735 Parts 1-10.

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Recommendation 26 promotes use of interchange agreements between commercial parties using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) in connection with international commercial transactions. It includes a Model Interchange Agreement for international use. Designed for bilateral agreements between two trading partners, the Model Interchange Agreement can be implemented in multilateral relationships.

Recommendation 27 encourages using the WTO instrument regarding pre-shipment inspections (PSI) where such inspections are considered necessary as an interim measure, while discouraging the practice of PSI in general.

Recommendation 31 proposes a model for a contractual approach to electronic commerce operations. This approach takes into consideration the need for a framework of basic provisions to be agreed by business entities combined with the flexibility required to conduct day-to-day commercial transactions.

Recommendation 32 emphasizes the need for the development, support and promulgation of voluntary codes of conduct for electronic business so as to support the development of international trade, and calls on Governments to promote and facilitate the development of relevant self-regulation instruments, national and international accreditation schemes, codes of conduct and trust mark schemes.

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Recommendation 33 on Single Window is a facility that allows parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardized information and documents with a single entry point to fulfil all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements. If information is electronic, individual data elements should only be submitted once. In addition, participating authorities and agencies should co-ordinate their controls through the Single Window. It may provide facilities for payment of relevant duties, taxes and fees. In practical terms, it aims to expedite and simplify information flows between trade and government and to bring meaningful gains to all parties involved in cross-border trade. The Single Window is generally managed by a lead agency, usually Customs, enabling the appropriate governmental authorities to access relevant information.

Recommendation 34 recommends a simple four-stage process to achieve a national, simplified, and standardized dataset to meet government information requirements. The publication also adds to the suite of products offered by UN/CEFACT to assist with establishment of a Single Window.

Recommendation 35 extends support to countries by helping them to address legal issues related to national and cross-border exchange of trade data required for Single Window operations.

Recommendation 36 covers the interoperability between two or more electronic Single Windows in different countries or economies. It addresses the fundamentals needed for the exchange of information beyond the domain of a National Single Window

Recommendation 37 on Single Submission Portals (SSPs) are private-sector driven initiatives that can help economic operators to not only fulfill their declarative obligations through a single portal, but also propose information exchange between economic operators creating a seamless use of information along the entire supply chain. These can come in many forms, from Port Community Systems, Cargo Community Systems to Customs Clearance Systems and Freight Forwarder Systems. There are event specific eCommerce platforms targeting specifically MSMEs to access international markets.

Recommendation 38 addresses the importance of accessing accurate information about the rules governing international trade and how to achieve this through a Trade Information Portal (TIP). The recommendation details the different types of information for such a portal, base implementation consideration as well as the key success factors. As a key aspect of international trade, it is expected that many countries around the world have already or soon will implement a Trade Information Portal. This recommendation will be accompanied by an e-business standard to help facilitate the exchange of such information.

Recommendation 40 goes through the basic principles, the different forms and levels of consultation matters, and proposes in annex a toolbox and checklist. 

Recommendation 41 aims to inform government agencies and private sector stakeholders about key components and best practices for PPPs in Trade Facilitation. Based on success stories and lessons learned from traditional PPP projects, it provides detailed guidance on specific aspects, such as the governance, supporting information technology and infrastructure, and potential risks to consider in project implementation.

Recommendation 42 aims to inform government agencies and private sector stakeholders about approaches to effective consultations that will be flexible, transparent, fair, accountable, and participatory. It addresses issues such as information sharing, preparations prior to consultations, and measures that aim at building a trust-based dialogue. When available, best practices in the field of consultation are provided. The goal is to present flexible and diverse approaches to consultations and inspire successful solutions.

Recommendation 43 on the procurement process often prioritizes the cost aspect and is attributed to the best cost effectiveness. However, with more environmental and social awareness in modern society, the cheapest solution may not always be the most sustainable. This recommendation outlines the considerations that should be taken into account in order to move towards a more sustainable procurement process. It proposes a checklist to evaluate vendors and procurement propositions and also proposes considerations for a supplier code of conduct.

Recommendation 44 advocates to governments the importance of building national capacity and capability to cope with a large influx of humanitarian relief. The sudden onset of a disaster often results in relief providers and national administrations being unclear about importation requirements and procedures for needed relief items. This policy recommendation supports governments by providing key considerations and practices for implementing preparedness measures for the facilitation of a large influx of humanitarian relief after a disaster. Specific attention is provided to the immediate emergency response phase of a sudden onset disaster scenario.

This recommendation was prepared in close collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) and with significant contributions from the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Customs Organization (WCO), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Recommendation 45 draws attention to the vital role that ship agents and ship brokers play in the economic success of a voyage and the safety of the crew, acting as an intermediary between a ship and a port. This recommendation outlines the minimum standards to which a ship agent or ship broker should adhere, both ethically and professionally. It is closely aligned to the obligations of the International Maritime Organization’s FAL Convention while also reflecting the current environment of dematerialization.

Improving traceability and transparency has become a priority for the garment and footwear industry. Consumers, governments, and civil society are demanding responsible business conduct and are calling upon the industry to identify and address actual and potential negative impacts in the areas of human rights, the environment, and human health. The objective of this recommendation is to establish a mechanism that enables governments, industry partners, consumers, and all other relevant stakeholders to make risk-informed decisions, overcome information asymmetry, communicate, and achieve accountability for sustainability claims (including those for regulatory compliance) and anchor business models to responsible business conduct.

It does so by providing industry actors with a set of internationally agreed practices for the harmonized collection and transmission of data for tracking and tracing materials, products, and processes across an entire value chain, including all involved facilities and intermediaries, and includes related information about the sustainability performance of these value chain participants. While specifically developed for the garment and footwear industry, such internationally agreed practices for advancing traceability and transparency have applications in cross-industry value chains, thus contributing to the achievement of several goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, and particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 on responsible consumption and production.

The recommendation includes implementation guidelines to assist policy and decision makers in better understanding tracking and tracing while also providing a framework for implementation by all stakeholders in garment and footwear value chains.

This Recommendation 46 (ECE/TRADE/C/CEFACT/2021/10) is available for download in English, French and Russian.

The accompanying Call to Action (ECE/TRADE/C/CEFACT/2020/6/Rev.1) provides a mechanism to monitor and keep track of implementation of the recommended measures, and to facilitate the exchange of good practices and lessons learned.

Recommendation 47 outlines measures to mitigate the adverse impact of a pandemic such as COVID-19 on trade flows. Such pandemics have revealed the challenges of facing a health crisis and its impact on society and economies which could potentially leave lasting scars on the global economy.