Europe gains Single Window viewpoint

“Communication is the vital cog in the smooth transport and logistics operations that drive day-to-day trade across Europe,” said Richard Morton, secretary general of the new European Port Community System (EPCSA) organisation. “Port Community Systems can, and will, play a major role as Europe moves towards the Single Window concept.”

He says that EPCSA members are working to provide expert opinion on proposed new regulation and to contribute to the harmonisation of reporting procedures.

“It has been difficult for the EC to get an overview of what is happening in this area of Port Community Systems; we have been in the situation where we are involved in the development of Single Windows but have had the absence of such a contributor to the discussions,” said customs specialist Manuela Cabral, head of unit at the EC’s DG TAXUD. “The creation of EPCSA should allow us to move at a faster speed in the non-traditional customs area.”