Preferential trade agreements and their implications for customs services

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Journal of World Trade

Publication Date

2-1-2007

Abstract

Over the past decade, debate concerning the advantages of regional or preferential trade agreements (PTAs) has continued apace. The debate has taken various twists and turns but one emerging theme is the relationship between PTAs and the more contemporary issue of trade facilitation. The aim of this article is to examine the implications that flow from PTAs on customs services, the key administrative body charged with managing trade facilitation. The article identifies the major factors impacting most heavily on any customs service, which include: an increase in trade volumes which require additional resources and personnel to cope with associated trade flow increases; significant institutional, regulatory and procedural changes required to meet substantive commitments as part of PTA obligations (depending on type of PTA); significant procedural and technological adjustments required to meet PTA obligations in relation to streamlining trade; significant internal capacity building requirements to meet conventional trade facilitation adjustments; and important internal and external adjustments and reorganization required to meet secure trade requirements. © 2007 Kluwer Law International.

Volume

41

Issue

1

First Page

53

Last Page

74

Disciplines

Business

Keywords

international trade, trade agreement, trade flow, trade relations

Scopus ID

33846911285

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS