The Role of Customs Process in Facilitating International Trade

Abstract

In fact customs are the doorkeeper of international trade. All international trade must the processed by the respective national customs and such a processing takes time. In order to facilitate trade, each party shall adopt or maintain simplified customs procedures for the efficient release of goods, instruments sufficient to cover payment of the customs duties, taxes, and fees its customs authority ultimately applies in connection with importation of the good. There is no doubt that trade facilitation activities have a positive impact for international traders when they are implemented effectively. Streamlining customs formalities for imports, exports, and transit of goods has the multiple benefits of increasing trade activity while reducing bureaucratic red tape and expensive delays for traders as well as lessening administrative costs at the border. Primarily, customs authorities facilitate international trade by overseeing the import and export of goods. They are tasked with enforcing trade regulations, assessing and collecting customs duties and taxes, and ensuring the correct classification of goods according to international nomenclature. Moreover, customs play a crucial role in maintaining security by preventing illegal trade. They implement border control measures to halt the smuggling of illicit goods, such as drugs, weapons, and counterfeit products, thereby contributing to national and international security.