In August, the Single Window: Programme Steering Group (SWPSG) established a small sub-group - consisting of Customs, DTI and SITPRO members - and commissioned them to review available data in quantifying the cost / benefits of establishing SW services in the UK. These services would provide:
- A platform to allow traders to submit international trade data required by government once only - through a single electronic interface - in respect of each transaction
- Electronic interface/s between government departments and agencies for the more efficient exchange of information and delivery of effective joined-up services
The report, published at the end of October, produced further evidence of the trade support for SW services and some headline figures to highlight the potential benefits to trade, government and UK plc. However, it also highlighted the continuing difficulty in providing detailed quantification, a fact reflected internationally by the lack of cost / benefit in justifying initial investment. The other key conclusion was the essential need for high-level political commitment and the necessary cross-departmental prioritisation to deliver SW solutions.
Customs and DTI representatives have proposed that it is the area of greater central commitment and ownership that be given immediate attention if progress is to be realised in the short to medium term. Recommendations have been put to the Interdepartmental Strategy Group on Trade Facilitation (IDSTG) that met at the end of November.
The provision of Single Window services remains a key element of the Customs Blueprint for future International Trade activity and Customs remain committed to delivering these changes through their involvement on the Interdepartmental Strategy Group; SW: Programme Steering Group (both jointly with DTI) and their continued resourcing of a project manager to drive key issues forward. However, it must be recognised that Single Window, in order to become fully functional, relies on the commitment of various government departments which have an international trade involvement. It is the need to establish a more cohesive cross-government approach to prioritise SW activity that remains essential.
Similarly, from a trade perspective, it is important that we support this initiative by quantifying business benefits more clearly to help justify initial investment and prioritisation decisions - for example, a Single Window could assist traders in meeting demands for more trade data in order to increase international supply chain security. SITPRO continue to work closely with Customs and DTI, in particular, to develop the case for SW international trade services. We will be seeking the support of members in providing further detail of the quantified benefit to UK plc. This forms part of a complex jigsaw that will help focus the commitment of all key international trade players.
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 48, December 2003/January 2004
