Trade Facilitation - European Commission

Supporting the creation of the Single Window was the main objective of component 3, support to the Master Plan for Trade Facilitation (MPTF), of a project called Support to the National Export Strategy Programme of Peru (PENX 2003-2013). The total amount of the project was €14 million (with a €10 million contribution from the European Commission). The contribution of the EU for the support to the Single Window amounted to € 500 000.

The general objective of the creation of the Single Window was the integration and simplification of pro­cesses and services of government institutions related to external trade, in order to secure an efficient man­agement of operations. The specific objectives were integrated, simple, fast and transparent procedures, the validity of documents generated in the Single Window, integrated electronic channels, integrated con­trols allowing effective risk management, security and availability of services.

The Single Window allowed for the integration of 82 procedures from seven institutions, which meant a reduc­tion of 5% in costs and 25% in time. In 2011, 30% of transactions were done outside of office hours. The Sin­gle Window also reviews and issues certificates of origin. For restricted goods, it facilitates licenses and required authorizations for import/export of restricted goods. For port services, it reduces time and allows users, through the internet, to learn the process for a ship to be welcomed, stay and depart a harbour. The annual sav­ing was estimated close to €4 million for the public sector and around €4 million for the private sector.

A new phase of development started, with the objective to achieve the integration of all restricted merchandise and administrative procedures before end of 2015. This calls for the integration of 252 transactions and the incorporation of the 17 entities involved. The authorizing legislation provides ultimately for a comprehensive system including elec­tronic payment of duties and taxes and the potential for coordinated border management with other countries.