Single window augments customs’ revenues: QDB

Qatar’s customs revenues and merchandise trade (value) have expanded considerably with the introduction of single window system, according to Qatar Development Bank (QDB).There has been 15% increase in customs revenues since the introduction of the single window system, QDB said yesterday at a workshop jointly organised with Qatari Directorate General of Customs.The value of goods grew to QR5.20bn against QR1.25bn prior to the single window system, it said, adding the new system helped release goods at a rate of 500 incoming containers a day.“The single window is a project which will bring major change to the Qatari trade standards,” Hassan al-Mansoori, executive director, QDB’s export development agency ‘Tasdeer’ said, adding: “Our efforts to develop the system do not stop here.”He said the new system would play a significant role by reducing the documentary procedure to a record five minutes; reducing the proportions of purview from 70% to 5% by applying risk management system.“The system is designed to improve the quality of performance in accordance with the global standards of the World Customs Organisation and World Trade Organisation without prejudice to the security of the state and with revenues geared towards achieving customer satisfaction and transparency,” he said.The system helps the Ministry of Interior with accurate and instant information on individuals, vehicles and companies; the relevant government bodies with pre-clearance before cargo arrival and quick release of restricted goods; and freight forwarders providing risk systems with information for goods imported.