Recommendation and guidelines on establishing a Single Window : to enhance the efficient exchange of information between trade and government

This publication seeks to promote a process of simplification and harmonization of procedures for international trade making documentation as simple and direct as possible for traders, public authorities and governments.

The requirements and complexity of import, export and transit-related regulations often place a burden on company resources, creating a barrier to the development and efficiency of international trade, in particular for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

To make trade easier the UN recommends that governments and traders should establish a "Single Window" where trade-related information and /or documents need only be submitted once, at a single entry point, and that further, all participating authorities and agencies should coordinate their respective controls through this "Single Window", providing facilities for the payment of relevant duties, taxes and fees.