The Bangladesh Single Window system (BSW), launched on January 2, has significantly facilitated the country鈥檚 export-import activities by reducing time and costs, according to a statement from the National Board of Revenue issued on Wednesday.
The NBR statement said that within just one month and 17 days of its launch, the system has automatically issued over 100,000 certificates, licenses, and permits (CLP), marking a significant milestone in trade facilitation.
The NBR has integrated several state organisations into the BSW system, including the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, the Directorate General of Drug Administration, the Department of Explosives (DOEX), the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention (BNACWC), the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority and the Department of Environment.
By enabling all concerned agencies to complete CLP-related procedures online through a common platform, the BSW ensures a more efficient and modernised process for importers and exporters.
The BSW system also enhances transparency and accountability thanks to the absence of personal contact in government activities, which reduces bureaucratic delays, said the NBR statement.
Moreover, the BSW is fostering trust among both domestic and foreign traders.
From February 28, the remaining agencies will also be able to issue certificates, licenses, and permits online through the BSW system, further expediting customs clearance for import and export goods.
According to the WTO, as the 94th聽member of the World Trade Organisation and 12th聽Least Developed Country, Bangladesh ratified the trade facilitation agreement (TFA) of the WTO on September 27, 2016, which was likely to expedite the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit.
The TFA, which was concluded at the WTO鈥檚 2013 Bali Ministerial Conference, contains provisions for expediting the movement, release, and clearance of goods.
It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues, along with technical assistance and capacity-building provisions in this area.
The TFA came into force on February 22, 2017 following its ratification by two-thirds of the WTO members.
According to article 10.4 of the TFA, all signatories will adopt a system that allows traders to submit documentation and data requirements at a single entry point 鈥� either physical or electronic 鈥� to fulfill all import or export-related regulatory requirements, which is a fundamental trade facilitation reform.
A single-window facility will expedite and simplify procedures for submitting documents and data requirements to government agencies, a practical application of trade facilitation principles to reduce procedural obstacles.
Accordingly, Bangladesh introduced the single-window system. To prepare Bangladesh for the WTO TFA, NBR started numerous modernisation activities following the requirements of the WTO TFA with the help of the World Bank and other development partners.
The entire system will be operational through two systems, including BSW and the Advanced Risk Management System (ARMS), where importers and exporters can apply for their desired services.