The Transition From eCustoms to eBorder Management

Abstract

In this article, the concept of eBorder Management is developed from the need for change in customs administrations, especially insofar as that change relates to the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) to respond to the demands of increased volumes of international trade and the documents that support it. The automation of customs procedures has been a key component of customs reform and modernisation initiatives, and its importance to trade facilitation has been emphasised by the World Customs Organization (WCO), World Trade Organization (WTO), World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Core functionality of Customs ICT systems and the resultant benefits are identified, as is the significance of developing systems that can be integrated with those in the private sector and other government agencies. The development of eBorder Management at both national and international levels is only possible with uniform adoption or adaptation of policies and legal frameworks that will enable and recognise the interoperable use of the relevant system in both national and international respects.