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Overview Automated customs systems, which allow for electronic submission of data rather than requiring the information on paper, are an important tool for improving the international trade process and are a fundamental aspect of customs modernization. An automated customs system addresses trade needs for facilitation while allowing customs authorities to be more efficient and improve control standards through risk management and sharper use of resources.
Given the rapid pace of technological innovation, it is imperative that customs authorities not only establish automation systems, but that they also maintain procedures for updating those systems regularly. It is also important to develop automated systems through a consultative process with the trading entities affected, to properly test and vet new programs, and to set realistic timeframes for automation adoption in light of resource allocations. And, perhaps most important of all, automation systems should require only those data elements that are legitimately needed to ensure compliance with pertinent regulations, and should be in standardized, harmonized formats.
Related Link
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) - Evolving from Paper based to Electronic Solutions
TIACA's Template on What Constitutes Best Practices for Customs Authorities
The following highlights the best practices identified by TIACA as critical for expedited customs treatment of air cargo shipments. More...
This represents the views of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) on the dematerialization of customs documentation. More...
This section features incisive analysis of current issues that are critical to the air cargo industry.
Reports |
Papers |
06/10/2010
The European Court of Auditors has issued a report concluding that EU members do not have effective controls on simplified customs procedures for imports established by the EC. Consequently, the report warns, there is no guarantee that duties are being collected properly, or that traders are complying with their obligations.
05/21/2010
Status: Regulation
Deadline/Effective Date: May 28, 2010
03/15/2010
Status: Amendment
Deadline/Effective Date: Effective March 10, 2010 (applicable from Jan. 1, 2010)
03/15/2010
Status: Final Rule
Effective Date: March 9, 2010
03/04/2010
Status: Regulation
Deadline/Effective Date: Effective March 10, 2010 (with certain points effective January 1, 2012)
03/02/2010
e.g. Effective date July 1, 2010
12/10/2009
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) presented testimony to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation in December 2009 assessing the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) progress in meeting congressionally mandated requirements for comprehensive screening of air cargo (effective August 2010) and 100% scanning of maritime cargo (effective July 2012). While GAO credits DHS for making considerable progress, it also details various remaining challenges.
01/14/2009
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced the results of its 2008 Year in Review for te Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. Among its key accomplishments for the year, CBP cites attainment of key member certification and validation requirements, joint validations conducted in China, and the signing of two mutual recognition arrangements.
12/02/2008
In response to frequent queries about the benefits of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has developed a brochure. Among other things, CBP says "C-TPAT importers are 4 to 6 times less likely to incur a security or compliance examination" than are non-C-TPAT participants.
11/17/2008
Over the next six years, airports in the United States will be equipped with radiation detection equipment intended to scan virtually all air cargo, courtesy of an initiative by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
11/11/2008
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01/06/2009
A multi-year effort by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to obtain additional data elements for maritime shipments is now moving from the conceptual to the implementation stage, with importers and vessel carriers facing new requirements for security filings as of January 25, 2009.
12/02/2008
The Single Window, is still on the road from concept to reality as a practical contribution to the nitty-gritty business of global trade simplification. One essential factor in this overdue transition is a clear definition of what is and should be able to do for us.
10/13/2008
One of the most bizarre spectacles in the age of Google, the Internet and the GSM is the scene at any major airport where air-freight consignments have to be accompanied to Customs controls by a varying sheaf of paper document purporting to certify origin, value, fumigation, meat quality or combustibility.
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Q. What is customs automation?
A. Customs automation is the development of electronic systems allowing for the replacement of paper customs documents with a electronically transmitted data.
Q. Is customs automation a part of customs reform?
A. Yes, customs automation is a fundamental part of customs reform. Automated systems streamline international trade procedures and also modernize customs.
Q. What are the benefits of customs automation?
A. Customs automation allows for complex work to be simplified and handled by computer. This allows for a reduction in Customs' time reviewing paper forms, allowing for additional time dedicated to analysis, control and collection of duties and taxes. Another result of customs automation is increased transparency in the assessment of duties and taxes. Customs automation creates savings for governments and the trading community.
Q. What is the Harmonized System?
A. The Harmonized System (HS) is the commonly used designation for the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, which was developed by the World Customs Organization and which classifies commodity groups through a detailed coding system. The HS is utilized by many countries as the basis for their Customs tariffs and for collecting international trade statistics.
Q. What is the World Customs Organization (WCO) Data Model?
A. The WCO Data Model aims to establish a harmonized international data set that will meet the requirements of an automated environment. The WCO Data Model is an integral step in fostering and providing a common understanding of customs information requirements.