A Practical Guide to Cross-Border Facilitation

This Practical Guide is intended for customs officials, government officials, policy-makers, experts, the private sector and for all interested and new to the topic of trade and transport facilitation. Chapter 1 discusses the international business environment, international supply chain management principles and transport practices, regulatory procedures and the drive for competitiveness. Also elaborated are trends in transport and trade policy, as well as the need for effective controls. Chapter 2 introduces themes and principles of cross-border facilitation with particular focus on transport facilitation, border crossing management, customs facilitation and procedures as well as regulatory co-operation to mitigate the impact of non-tariff measures. Chapter 3 elaborates on trade costs that impact businesses and the competitiveness of cross-border supply chains. Chapter 4 looks at the three key international instruments and the cross-border facilitation measures they provide.