National Single Window (NSW) for export and import clearance is a system that allows all participants in trade and transport to file requested information simultaneously, in only one place, and in a standard format, in order to carry out import, export and transit operations. The Single Window is a generic concept, which includes various forms and scopes of systems: national or local (in a port, airport, etc.), or a specific sector of transportation; integrated or interfaced; purely electronic (Single Electronic Window or SEW) or allowing a combination between paper and electronic submission of information. It is primarily a political and organizational tool for better governance, which requires standardization of trade information flows and harmonization of legislation. Consequently, many activities related to the establishment of the Single Window should be carried out on a national level.
Independently from its description as a platform, environment, or facility, a NSW can best be understood by the service that it aims to provide to traders and government authorities alike. Such service is that it facilitates the exchange of trade relevant information between traders and government agencies, and among government agencies, for obtaining permits and licenses, certificates and necessary approvals. It does so by allowing traders, or their agents, to submit trade documents and data, in electronic or paper form, through a single entry point.
Our team of consultants has in-depth knowledge of the business processes of Pakistan’s customs, seaports, on-dock & off-dock container terminals, airports, inland dry ports, customs border stations. We have also got good understanding of the business processes of government agencies along with their relevant sub-ordinate offices and private sector entities involved in international trade transactions, including but not limited to the following:
- Ministry of Commerce & Textile including National Tariff Commission, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan
- Ministry of National Food Security & Research
- Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination
- Ministry of Industries & Production including Engineering Development Board
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control
- Excise and Taxation Department
- State Bank of Pakistan and other Banks
- Karachi Port Trust
- Port Qasim Authority
- Freight Forwarders / Bonded Transporters
- Shipping Agents
- Customs Agents
- Other border agencies
Our BPA team members are certified from UNESCAP on ‘Business Process Analysis for Trade Facilitation’ and, therefore, can contribute significantly towards documentation and analysis of trade procedures of Other Government Agencies (OGAs).