Further reforms to border agency co-operation are essential to strengthen international co-operation in trade facilitation and to help border agencies facilitate the smooth flow of goods while ensuring compliance with evolving trade regulations, security risks, and economic policies.
Closing the gap between the establishment of regulatory frameworks and their implementation in practice is key to unlocking greater costs savings, boosting trade flows, and strengthening economic resilience in an increasingly complex trade landscape. By minimising delays, lowering compliance burdens, and increasing supply chain efficiency, these reforms enhance global competitiveness for businesses of all sizes and the ability to seize opportunities from the digital and green economy.
The automation and streamlining of procedures matter for resilience because they ensure that global supply chains remain efficient, adaptable, and responsive to disruptions. Seamless trade procedures allow businesses to quickly reroute goods, adjust inventory flows, and maintain access to essential inputs during supply chain disruptions.
The regulatory environment underpinning trade facilitation at the border is increasingly intertwined with the broader regulatory environment for digital trade. The digitalisation of trade-related documents and processes requires for digitalisation efforts to extend beyond border formalities to all stages of trade transactions. In addition, growing volumes of cross-border parcels require effective trade facilitation policies that balance reducing of administrative costs with managing security risks.
Investment in transparency measures is a priority. These measures are relevant for the ability to adapt in a context of policy and regulatory changes, including during crises or as part of the digital and green transformations.
OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators
Monitoring Policies up to 2025
