In order to provide a worldwide accepted, consistent, transparent and predictable environment for international trade transactions, it is necessary to have much greater:
- Harmonization of applicable laws and regulations
- Simplification of administrative and commercial formalities, procedures and documents
- Standardization and integration of information and requirements, and the use of technologies so as to exchange this information efficiently
- Transparency, which implies making information on border requirements and procedures available and easily accessible to all interested parties
Trade facilitation takes place at national, regional and international levels. At the national level, it focuses on harmonizing and simplifying the trade-related structures and procedures within a country. As goods cross international borders they move from one legal and administrative jurisdiction to another, it is therefore essential to standardize norms internationally. Here lies the important role of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, other intergovernmental bodies and the international business organizations that develop the tools for facilitating trade.