There are currently over 200 regional trade agreements (RTAs) in the world, with most countries being party to at least one. Since the 1990s their proliferation has been astonishing. RTAs promote a common approach to regional trade. They provide benefits for producers, manufacturers, traders and the consumer. But while the theory seems simple and logical - a complementary and standardised approach, their practical application is complex. National customs services play a pivotal role in effectively implementing RTAs and are often the key agency responsible for applying many of the new procedures.
Crown Agents is currently working in partnership with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) to develop and implement the framework for customs standardisation, simplification and co-ordination in South East Asia. Our partnership with the EU results from our work with recent accession countries to meet their EU customs blueprint requirements. With ASEAN, Crown Agents leads the customs and trade facilitation component of the ASEAN-EU Programme for Regional Integration Support (APRIS).
Together we developed the ASEAN Strategic Plan for Customs Development (SPCD) 2005-1010. This is now being put into action and will result in a harmonized customs environment, paving the way for an ASEAN Economic Community.
Our project activities currently focus on customs clearance and transit procedures. These make it simpler for traders to import, export and transport goods within the region which in turn facilitates regional trade, promotes investment and reduces costs. We are also contributing our expertise to the standardisation and harmonisation of systems in support of the development of the ASEAN Single Window (national and regional).
For more information on the APRIS project and Crown Agents' activities, you can download the most recent APRIS newsletter, or browse the APRIS project website
ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN was established in 1967 and currently has 10 member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam). The ASEAN region has a population of about 500 million, a total area of 4.5 million square kilometers, a combined gross domestic product of almost US$ 700 billion, and a total trade of about US$ 850 billion.