CUSTOMS AND TRADE FACILITATION

The programme is primarily aligned to the following strategic objectives:

S01 : Development of opportunities and incentives for increased private sector investments and participation in the northern corridor

S02 : Harmonization of policy and legal frameworks on transport & trade among member states.

SO3 : Improved port , rail, road, pipeline and comm. Infrastructure services

The Programme's immediate objectives, outputs and key activities are presented in the matrix below

Programme Objective[s]	Outputs	Key activities
Removal of non-physical barriers to transit traffic along the Northern Corridor.   Establishment of an efficient customs transit regime.   Development of effective use of ICTs for the expeditious movement and exchange of information between NC stakeholders.	•  Customs and documentation procedures in member states harmonized. •  Cargo clearance procedures at the seaport, border posts, and inland terminals simplified. Transit time at border posts reduced •  Coordination and cooperation among customs administrators enhanced •  Transparency and integrity in transport and trade operations within the corridor improved •  IT systems for customs administrations implemented and interfaced. •  The corridor's logistical chain secured •  Cargo tracking systems implemented along the corridor. Regional customs bond guarantee scheme implemented •  Training programs developed •  Customs surveillance systems in place along the corridors	•  Integration of the CD-COM and application as a regional document. •  Develop and promote adoption of a standard road transport contract document (consignment note). •  Establish a regional cargo tracking system •  Develop a framework for harmonization of transit charges •  Facilitate establishment of regional customs guarantee scheme. •  Facilitate adoption of standardized customs seals. •  Promote application of international instruments for the facilitation of transit trade. •  Facilitate adoption by member states of an agreement on free movement of private cars (non-commercial vehicles). •  Facilitate establishment of one-stop border posts, complete with necessary facilities. •  Facilitate agreement on harmonised working hours at border posts •  Facilitate adoption of a code of conduct and ethics for customs and persons involved in the provision and management of transit and transport operations. •  Establishment and facilitation of activities of national trade facilitation committees. •  Disseminate relevant information to stakeholders. •  Facilitate interfacing of communication and information technology for exchange of information between customs authorities •  Facilitate implementation of WCO guidelines on customs surveillance systems in order to secure the international logistics chain.

In line with the TTCA's strategic objectives, the Customs and Trade Facilitation Program focuses on providing facilitation guidelines in the following key areas:

• Transit Routes:
  The Northern Corridor transport network is interconnected through several entry and exit points between the Port of Mombasa in Kenya and the landlocked countries of the Great Lakes Region ...
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• Transit Controls:
  Transit controls are generally implemented to ensure compliance with national Customs legislation and regulations. The Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority plays a vital role in harmonising and simplifying procedures necessary to facilitate the smooth flow of goods within the region ... read more
  
  
• Transit Documents:
  Transit goods have to be covered by appropriate clearing documents like any other consignments loaded or off-loaded at the port, or passing through border points... read more
  
  
• Transit Bond:
  Customs duties are not imposed on goods-in-transit. Nevertheless, shippers are required to execute Customs Transit Bonds in the transit country... read more
  
  
• Transit Monitoring:
  Customs authorities in the transit countries have introduced transit monitoring measures in order to prevent diversion of some of the goods in transit into the local market... read more
  
  
• ICT Solutions:
  With increasing globalisation hastened by advancements in business technologies, it is imperative that the major service providers embrace information technologies solutions in order to enhance transit transport.. read more
  
  
• Licensing:
  Northern Corridor countries are supposed to recognize truck operator licences issued to transit carriers by the licensing authority of the country of origin... read more
  
  
• Visa Requirements:
  Smooth facilitation of goods within the Corridor requires easy movement of the business community and their agents across the member countries... read more