Simplified Customs Procedures Research Articles

The Role of Customs Process in Facilitating International Trade

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.

Improving the Assessment of the Solvency of Authorized Economic Operators in Bulgaria

In achieving a balance between the ever-increasing requirements on customs administrations regarding the security and safety of international trade on the one hand, and the desire of merchants for easy and quick customs clearance of their goods on the other, so-called ‘simplified customs procedures’ and in particular, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status, play an important role. To obtain AEO status, several requirements (criteria) must be fulfilled, including proof of their financial solvency. To date, the Bulgarian customs administration has not developed a single method that allows a more accurate assessment of solvency. This paper presents an analytical method designed to achieve this aim.

INSTITUTIONAL COMPONENTS OF THE BRAND-ORIENTED ECONOMY

Background. The development of the national brand correlates with the development of the country, its economic condition and political system, cultural and social development, the level of national security, geostrategic priorities, and integ­ration aspirations. The rapid development of Ukraine as a full-fledged partner of international economic relations is manifested in strengthening its position in the world market of goods and services, actualizing the development of the national brand. Analysis of recent research and publications has shown that despite the existence of some scientific achievements, an important scientific and practical problem of the institutional components of a brand-oriented economy remains unresolved. The purpose of the article is to explore the areas of institutional support for the formation of brand-oriented economy of Ukraine, as well as on their basis to propose management decisions for further formation of a comprehensive system of state incentives for brand-oriented industries. Materials and methods. The methods of scientific research were used: analysis, synthesis, comparison, grouping, generalization, statistical methods of estimation of dynamics and structure. The information base contains scientific publications of domestic scientists (monographs, scientific periodicals), regulations of Ukraine. Results. The analysis of directions of institutional support of formation of brand-oriented economy of Ukraine is carried out. Based on the results of this study, a set of proposals was developed, in particular: introduction of simplified customs procedures for import for own use of production equipment that is not manufactured in Ukraine; creation on a voluntary basis at the expense of enterprises of funds to support export production; introduction of preferential lending for brand-oriented industries; creation of a system of specialized insurance companies; providing real assistance to industrial enterprises to save jobs through partial unemployment benefits, simplifying the mechanism for obtaining it; regulatory and legal support for confirmation of the fact of force majeure during the COVID-19 pandemic; creation of a system of protection of intellectual property rights, etc. Conclusion. In the conditions of the whole complex of factors that determine the state and prospects of the domestic national brand, there is a need for urgent steps to further form a holistic system of measures of state stimulation of brand-oriented industries. This, on the one hand, will contribute to the effective overcoming of existing problems and obstacles in their financial and economic activities, on the other hand, will maximize the positive changes in the economy and foreign economic policy of Ukraine in the interests of national brand development. These provisions require further research on the mechanism of institutional support for the formation of a brand-oriented economy of Ukraine, which will determine the European and international mechanisms of state regulation of brand-oriented industries. The active position of the state in these issues, along with the effective use of existing competitive advantages in the policy of promoting brand-oriented production, will allow Ukraine to form a decent competitive national brand to ensure the balance of mutual interests in order to consistently strengthen Ukraine’s geoeconomic position.

A Study on the TIR System for Advancing International Road Transport of Korea

본 연구에서는 TIR 제도에 대한 내용을 살펴보고 최근 비대면 국제통관이라는 새로운 해결방안으로 이슈가 되고 있는 eTIR 제도를 소개함으로써 우리나라에서의 TIR 제도에 대한 이해도를 높이는 것을 목적으로 한다. 제1장은 본 논문의 서론으로 최근의 문제제기를 하였으며, 제2장은 선행연구와 TIR 협약의 일반적 개요를 살펴보았다. 제3장은 TIR 제도의 원칙과 기구, 운영절차에 대해서 분석하였으며, 제4장에서는 TIR의 국제화, 전산화, eTIR의 도입에 대해서 조사하였다. 마지막 제5장은 본 논문의 결론이다. TIR 제도는 UN에서 인정하는 국제협약으로 국가를 통과할 경우 간소화된 통관절차로 시간과 비용이 절감되며, 세관의 관리로 국제적인 위험요소를 줄일 수 있다. 이러한 장점들은 물류진출에 매우 큰 편익을 가져올 것으로 기대된다. 따라서 우리정부는 선제적인 입장에서 TIR 제도에 대한 운영준비를 해야한다. 우리나라에서 TIR제도에 관한 연구는 없다. 본 연구는 향후 우리나라가 국제도로운송으로 진출할 경우 TIR 제도에 대한 연구의 기반이 될 것이다.Purpose : The main purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding of the TIR system, which has recently become an issue as a new solution for non-face-to-face international customs clearance, by introducing and examining the contents thereof. No research on the TIR system has been performed in Korea. Therefore, it is expected that this study provides the solid basis for future research on the TIR system when Korea advances to international road transport in the future. Research design, data, methodology : This study analyzes the issue through careful studies of TIR Convention and its operational system. For that, Chapter Ⅰ and II explore the current issues of logistics industry and concept of TIR convention. Chapter Ⅲ analyzes principles, organizations and operating procedures of the TIR system and Chapter Ⅳ studies internationalization and computerization of TIR known as eTIR. The final chapter offers necessary concluding remarks. Results : TIR system is recognized as having effects of saving time and reducing costs and international risk factors through simplified customs procedures and efficient customs management. In addition, it is operated under an international convention recognized by the United Nations, procedural harmonization at international level can be expected. Conclusions : This study finds out that TIR system is expected to bring great benefits to the logistics market in general. In that respect, it is suggested that the Korean government should prepare for the operation of the TIR system from a preemptive position.

Τhe Expansion of the Special Customs Regimes for the Improvement of Logistics

Logistics is one of the main sectors in Greece and constitutes an important source of income, representing 10.85% of GDP, and amounts to 19.8 billion euro (according to a study EEL in 2014). The developments that have been observed in the logistics sector in relation to the ports over the last years have created the need to make ports part of the supply chain in order to provide value added services to customers. Ports and especially those for container ships are evolving rapidly, providing integrated solutions for the improvement of logistics. The free trade zones, the freight transport centers and container transport hubs are part of the ports with an ever-increasing role in the management of supply chain and logistics. During last years, the port of Piraeus has become a central gateway to the European market from third countries. In addition to the port’s location, the warehouse center within the Piraeus Free Zone is also an important asset. The Free Zones are part of the customs territory of the European Community where non-Community goods which are under suspension of payment of import duties, taxes and commercial policy measures may enter and be stored until they are assigned a new customs regime [1]. Moreover, an important percentage of 3PL companies in Greece have been assigned as Authorized Economic Operators. This characteristic provides them the jurisdiction to use simplified customs procedures during import and export procedures. More and more companies are keen on using special customs regimes in Piraeus Port, as they intend to use Greece as their strategic hub in logistics in Europe or start trading within the country. Efficient procedures prior and during customs clearance can have a significant impact on eliminating delays, reducing administrative costs and improving the overall management of the supply chain. The benefits that will arise in favor of logistics by the use of special customs regimes are following: 1) Facilitating foreign trade by providing incentives for the collection and distribution of goods, thus contributing to the development of transit trade. 2) Support for business in logistics. 3) Possibility to provide VAT-exempt services in storage areas. 4) Possibility of transferring the ownership of goods, with VAT exemption, into storage areas. 5) Liquidity savings for firms. 6) Storage capacity of large quantities of goods. 7) Possibility of combining VAT facilities and simplified customs procedures. 8) Facilitating the channeling of domestic goods into international markets. 9) Investment and growth in work positions.

Effects of the Implementation of Single Window and Simplified Customs Procedures in the Republic of Macedonia

This paper analyses the effects of implementing two important measures for trade facilitation: the single window concept and simplified customs procedures, based on research conducted in the Republic of Macedonia. Results from this research indicate that introduction of the single window has been viewed positively by companies due to savings in time and human resources. In relation to implementation of simplified customs procedures, the results indicate that all variables measured (average numbers of documents, signatures, hours, costs) show reductions in comparison with regular customs procedures, indicating that such measures can have a significant influence on the facilitation of trade. The research serves to confirm that introduction of trade facilitation measures is necessary for assisting Macedonian companies to compete more effectively in the international marketplace.

Factors influencing container carriers’ use of coastal shipping

Coastal shipping is one of the most sustainable and economically competitive modes of transportation. This study employs the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method to determine the importance of various factors influencing container carriers’ use of coastal shipping. A three-level hierarchical structure with the 17 attributes is proposed and tested. A previous AHP survey in Taiwan has indicated that port policy and infrastructure is the most critical factor influencing the coastal shipping by container carriers followed by operational cost, operational strategy and operational efficiency. Overall, the results indicate that the five most important attributes influencing the use of coastal shipping are simplified customs procedures; leasing a dedicated terminal; transhipment time; a favourable port charge system and efficient terminal operations.

Intellectual Capital of Enterprises and Its Role in the Integral Process

In August 2012 Russia entered the World Trade organization (WTO) and took all the obligations on establishment of this organization according to the Marrakesh agreement. As a participant of the international trade system, Russia obtains a legitimate access to a very much unified legal space and international legal protection guaranteed by WTO norms, which should finally promote development of Russian foreign trade and Russian interests abroad. Thus, annually, within the framework of the world trade, economic participant benefit from application of simplified customs procedures $ 900 bn. Within Russia, according to the data of the Economic Cooperation and Development organization, this benefit may be $18 bn. concerning protection of rights of intellectual property, the Russian Federation has not taken any additional obligations, – and During the period of negotiations the national legislative base was brought in line with the WTO norms. This article is going to consider questions of creation and usage of the intellectual capital in export-oriented innovative enterprises related to development of science and high-technology production, exportation of developed technologies and high-tech products.

An Evaluation of Free Trade Port Zone in Taiwan

This study focused on the development of FTPZs in Taiwan and examined factors influencing business activities in FTPZs and their degree of importance for improving the operational environment in FTPZs. A performance assessment of companies since operating their businesses in FTPZs was also undertaken. Data for the study were obtained from a questionnaire survey distributed to MNCs operating in FTPZs in Taiwan. The importanceperformance analysis (IPA) technique was employed to analyse the survey results. Five factors were found to have a high degree of importance for business operations in FTPZs: government administration efficiency, cheap rates and charges, simplified customs procedures, clear regulations, and free tax incentives. Further, results indicated that firms in FTPZ had increased their performance in terms of reputation, investment, customer satisfaction, and revenue. The study provides insight into the evaluation and policy suggestions of FTPZ for government in Taiwan.

An Evaluation of Container Development Strategies in the Port of Taichung

The objective of this study is to examine the container development strategies in the port of Taichung from the viewpoints of carriers, port authorities and shipping academics. The six most important strategic attributes from the all respondents perceptions are Enhancing the services of direct shipping with Mainland China, simplified customs procedures, simplified administrative procedures, developing service routes with Hong Kong and Mainland China, improving port information systems, and flexible rate to response market change. Based on a factor analysis, the findings reflect that price and incentive strategic dimension was the most import strategic dimension, followed by marketing and direct shipping with Mainland China as well as reorganization and information service strategic dimensions. In addition, the perceived implemented period for container development strategic attributes for the Taichung Port was also investigated in this study. Results indicated that four development strategies stood out as being short-term need to perform to all respondents were providing one-stop shopping services for carriers, flexible rate to response market change, enhancing employee training and knowledge, and strengthening port marketing and promotion. Theoretical and managerial implications of the research findings are discussed.

Customs as Facilitation of Trade. Case of Albania.

Economic cooperation and trade between countries of region is very important as a opening step for entering in big markets like EU-s. All agreements have a huge impact in customs administration for elimination of customs taxes and for facilitation of trade during customs crossing. Trade integration is seen as faster way for countries to complete all necessary condition for European Integration. This process requires fulfillment of all reforms, needed for approaches the development and integration between countries. This process is spread in time because of the feature and difference between society and their economies. Regional economic integration is considered an import component for longterm integration of South Eastern European countries in EU. Membership of Albania in WTO brings a number of free trade agreements, with the main purpose trade liberalization. The essences of these agreements have been liberalization of customs tariffs for increasing foreign trade and attract foreign investors. The loss of customs income will be compensating from imports increasing and economic development in general. The role of Customs has changed from one of a complete focus on revenue collection to a broad role encompassing components of revenue collection, trade facilitation and border security. Simplified customs procedures and documents are very important for improving relation of business and government and also improving business performance. The aim of this paper is to point out the roles, responsibilities and challenges of customs, for concluding this we have conducted a survey for analyzing the performance of customs in Albania. nr 1/2010(13) Ws p o l c z e s n a e k o n o m i a

Customs Representation in Simplified Customs Procedures in Republic of Croatia

When introduced in 2000 the use of authorized consigneeand consignor status was not particularly popular among companies,despite its apparent advantages. The number of the statususers compared to the total number of exporters and importerswas almost negligible. The aim of this paper was to find outto which extent the simplified customs procedures have beenaccepted in Croatia through an objective outline of advantagesand disadvantages that the companies - users of the simplifiedprocedures face on a daily basis.

Realizing the ASEAN Economic Community by 2020: ISEAS and ASEAN‑ISIS Approaches

At the 2003 ASEAN Summit in Bali, ASEAN leaders have agreed to establish an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2020. The idea of an AEC was first proposed by Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in last year's ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh. The AEC is one of three pillars (the other two being the ASEAN Security Community and the ASEAN Socio-cultural Community) that make up the ASEAN Community as declared by ASEAN leaders in the Bali Concord II. In line with the ASEAN Vision 2020, it is envisaged that the AEC will be a single market and production base with free flow of goods, services, investments, capital, and skilled labour. (1) Annexed to the Bali Concord 11, the High Level Task Force (HLTF) on ASEAN Economic Integration had unveiled bold and ambitious economic initiatives with clear deadlines (many within the next two years) to expedite the economic integration process and realize the AEC. These initiatives include: * Fast-track integration of eleven priority sectors? * Faster customs clearance and simplified customs procedures. * Elimination of barriers to trade. * Accelerated implementation of the Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) for key sectors (e.g., electrical and electronic equipment and telecommunications equipment). * Harmonization of standards and technical regulations. In the area of trade in goods, improvements in the Common Effective Preferential Tariffs (CEPT) Scheme Rules of Origin (ROO) will be finalized by end 2004. This would include making the ROO more transparent, predictable, and standardized and taking into account the best practices of other Regional Trading Arrangements (RTAs) including the World Trade Organization's (WTO) ROO. To ensure transparency on Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) and eliminate those that are barriers to trade, the following measures will be undertaken: * Establish an ASEAN Database on NTMs (by mid-2004). * Set clear criteria to identify measures that are classified as barriers to trade (by mid-2005). * Set a clear and definitive work programme for the removal of such barriers (by 2005). * Adopt the WTO agreements on Technical Barriers to Trade and Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary and Import Licensing Procedures and develop implementation guidelines appropriate for ASEAN (by end-2004). One of the most important recommendations by the HLTF was the creation of a more effective ASEAN Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM) with powers to make legally binding decisions in resolving trade disputes among member states. The existing DSM has yet to be used by any ASEAN member country. The number of trade disputes will likely rise significantly as the region moves towards a higher level of economic integration. Hence, a credible DSM would be absolutely critical for the AEC to succeed. By end-2004, the following measures will be undertaken to enhance the DSM: * Establish a legal unit within the ASEAN Secretariat to provide legal advice on trade disputes. * Establish the ASEAN Consultation to Solve Trade and Investment Issues in order to provide quick resolution to operations problems (similar to the EU mechanism). * Establish the ASEAN Compliance Body (modelled after the WTO Textile Monitoring Body). Besides the ASEAN-X formula, ASEAN may also use the 2+X approach where two member countries that are ready to integrate certain sectors can go ahead first. In fact, the latter approach would particularly benefit Thailand and Singapore as both countries are keen to integrate their economies before 2020. All these initiatives do seem to indicate that ASEAN is committed in getting the AEC project off the ground as soon as possible. Also, many of these initiatives were formulated with the business community in mind. For example, faster customs clearance and the harmonization of product standards and technical regulations are clearly aimed at reducing the transactions cost of doing business in the region to make it attractive to multinational corporations as well as domestic enterprises that want to become regional players. …

Customs-Related Transaction Costs, Firm Size and International Trade Intensity

customs are generally perceived as a time-consuming impediment to international trade. However, few studies have empirically examined the determinants and the impact of this type of government-imposed transaction costs. This paper analyses the role of firm size as a determinant of customs-related transaction costs, as well as the effect of firm size on the relationship between these costs and the international trade intensity of firms. The results of this study indicate that customs-related transaction costs repress international trade activities of firms, even at low levels of these costs. The paper identifies transaction-related economies of scale, simplified customs procedures and advanced information and communication technology as main determinants of customs-related transaction costs. It is shown that when these factors are taken into account, firm size has no effect on customs-related transaction costs. Policy implications are considered for firm strategy and public policy.