Globally Networked Customs (GNC)
THE WCO is to have its 8 th meeting on Globally Networked Customs (GNC) from September 5 to 7. Why GNC? Today, Customs Administrations worldwide have more than 100 different documents and 100 different types of equal data sets. Imagine: 1 document worldwide, covering import and export, 1 data set, 1 single access point for trade to introduce their declarations. This would be a tremendous saving in costs for both Trade and Customs. This would be the ultimate facilitation.
The Vision: A Globally Networked Customs (GNC) is an inclusive, interconnected Customs to Customs information-sharing system to support and improve the functioning of the international trading system, national economic performance, and the protection of society and fiscal management. A GNC will reduce the compliance burden for legitimate traders, and enhance enforcement through the sharing of information and intelligence.
The position today :
Borders are often invisible in commercial transactions
++ Purchase order is sent to a supplier in another country
++ Supplier prepares documents to send the shipment:
- invoice
- packing list
- bill of lading
- certificate of origin
- export declaration
++ Carrier prepares a cargo control document (manifest/waybill)
++ Carrier "forwards" that document, along with shipper information, to the importer or customs broker
++ The requirements for cargo security have changed the way we look at cargo information
This still isn't sufficient in many countries for release/entry to occur; additional information required from the importer includes:
++ Tariff classification;
++ Applicable tariff treatment;
++ Rate of duty;
++ Value for duty;
++ Value for tax;
++ Tax payable;
++ Excise tax;
++ Excise duty; and
++ Anti-dumping duty.
Some problems with this are:
++ Country of origin not shown
++ Additional charges not shown
++ Goods poorly described
++ Merchandise not properly marked
++ Missing permits, certificates
++ Incomplete transportation documents
All these difficulties will be history once GNC is in place.