TIMOR-LESTE has expanded its electronic single window to accelerate the movement of international trade.

The electronic single window system was designed to reduce the cost and time of trade, accelerate the customs clearance process and enhance clearance controls.

It also facilitates the exchange of data between port authority and customs systems.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, which helped develop the system, said government agencies which approve the release of goods from customs were not previously connected by an electronic system.

UNCTAD said the disconnection delayed the customs clearance paperwork process as it could only begin once the goods were in the country.

Now, authorities can process paperwork up to six months ahead of the arrival of goods.

Shamika Sirimanne, director of UNCTAD’s technology and logistics division, expects the trade window to enable growth and sustainable development.

“The single window system in Timor-Leste enables the country to import and export more easily and reduces the environmental impact of Timor-Leste’s regional and international trade,” she said.

Timor-Leste vice minister of trade and industry Domingos Lopes Antunes said the system “will tremendously help the private sector in expediting trade procedures and transactions, thus contributing to resource-saving and time efficiency”.

UNCTAD said the system can handle motor vehicle import authorisation, joint inspection involving three government agencies, certificate of origin application submission and approval, exporter registration and passenger customs declaration paperwork.

It was also designed to streamline the processing of tax exemptions on imported goods and facilitate medicine and medical equipment clearance.

And, it intends to ease import and export permit application and processing for animals, plants and their products.

UNCTAD said government data indicates the system has reduced the use of printed paper in government operations by 85% and has reduced investors’ trips between customs and relevant offices by 91%.

The single window system is available in English, Portuguese and Tetun.