SITPRO Simplifying International Trade Simplifying International Trade SITPRO Simplifying International Trade Malcolm McKinnon Chief Executive UNCTAD/UNECE

SITPROSimplifying International Trade

SITPROSimplifying International TradeSimplifying International Trade

Malcolm McKinnon Chief Executive

UNCTAD/UNECE Symposium for National PRO Organisations

Geneva, 31 October – 1 November 2006


SITPRO – who are we?SITPRO – who are we?

• The UK’s trade facilitation agency – established in 1970

• Sponsored by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – UK Government

• Supported by British business & industrySupported by British business & industry• Board directorship drawn from across sectors in Board directorship drawn from across sectors in

the international trade and payment processthe international trade and payment process



We build the bridge between We build the bridge between Trade Development and Trade DeliveryTrade Development and Trade Delivery



• Our roots lie in DOCUMENTS



• Our roots lie in DOCUMENTS– “SITPRO forms”

• - documentation aligned to UN Layout Key– Licensed commercial production of forms – Promotion of document standards – We’ve been doing this since 1970


Aligned paper documentsAligned paper documents



• Our roots lie in DOCUMENTS– e-document standards

• logical extension from paper• UNeDocs / UNeDocsUK– standards-based “library” of

data to ensure effective paper and electronic data exchange


UNeDocsUKUNeDocsUK

– Master structure– Based on UNeDocs and

UN Trade Data Elements Directory


UNeDocsUKUNeDocsUK

•Trade documents:– Acknowledgement of order– Commission note– Credit / debit notes– Invoice – order – Packing list– Proforma invoice– Quotation

•Transport documents:– Certificate of shipping– Bills of lading– Consignment notes– Dangerous goods note – Export cargo shipping

instructions– Sea waybill– Standard shipping note


Documentation systemsDocumentation systems

– p Docsp Docs

– e Docse Docs



• But also TRADE PROCEDURES



• But also TRADE PROCEDURES– Expertise and advice:

• Helpdesk – Consultation and problem identification:

• Stakeholder groups’ own problems• Externally driven initiatives, eg Europe, WCO

– Form opinions and recommend solutions:• Single Window• Lobbying



• And INFLUENCE


SITPRO - how do we help?SITPRO - how do we help?

The Tip of the Iceberg

• Free Helpdesk• Procedural Guidance• Library of Briefings• Country Spotlights• Free Newsletter


SITPRO Import BriefingsSITPRO Import Briefings

http://www.sitpro.org.uk/trade/animal.pdf


SITPRO NewsSITPRO News

– Main quarterly publication– 7500 copies issued free

to UK and international traders and other contacts


SITPRO - how do we help?SITPRO - how do we help?

Below the Waterline

• SITPRO Board• Advisory Groups• Input into trade policy

initiatives• Research and analysis of current

and proposed legislation and regulations


SITPRO’s structureSITPRO’s structureBoardBoard

Communications StrategyCommunications Strategy Finance and ResourcesFinance and Resources

Advisory CouncilAdvisory Council

ADVISORY GROUPSADVISORY GROUPS

Trade Trade PolicyPolicy

Single Single WindowWindow

European European StrategyStrategy

SecuritySecurity

e-Businesse-Business

Ports and Ports and BordersBorders


SITPRO’s Business PrioritiesSITPRO’s Business Priorities

WTOWTO

EuropeEurope

International International Standards Standards (UNeDocs)(UNeDocs)

Single WindowSingle Window

Trade and SecurityTrade and Security

Border Agency Border Agency Co-ordination Co-ordination


WTO and other trade facilitation WTO and other trade facilitation agreementsagreements

• Main Aim: WTO TF Agreement by end 2006• Headlines:

– Advice on text, supported by co-ordinated international lobbying and strategic planning

– Boksburg Group – support for developing countries – and launch of website

– Business Action for Africa – publication and promotion of private sector study on customs reform in Africa

– Research scope for TF in services sector


SITPRO Policy GuidesSITPRO Policy Guides

– New WTO Guide– Planned new guides

covering:• Europe• UNeDocsUK• Single Window


EuropeEurope

• Main Aim: Support Commission’s customs modernisation Multi-Annual Strategic Plan

• Headlines: – New SITPRO Strategic Advisory Group on Europe to define UK trade

positions on EU MASP– Input into EUROPRO – Strengthen links with other European PRO organisations, Duquesne

Group and other European Trade Contact Groups– Refine policy positions on AEO and develop influencing strategy on

other key 2006 milestone issues


Trade and securityTrade and security

• Main Aim: Continue to advance trade facilitation principles in the development of border security measures

• Headlines:– Publish and promote Chatham House/SITPRO report– Use this to lobby Government and international organisations (eg

WCO) through work of Security Advisory Group; in particular, deepen contacts with Department of Transport


UK Single WindowUK Single Window

• Aim: Support implementation of Phase I in early 2007 in a form likely to be used by traders

• Headlines:– Work with project leaders Business.Gov to implement SITPRO vision

of single window– Provide technical and industry support to project team through

Single Window Advisory Group– Work with project team to publicise UK Single Window– Progress UN Recommendation 33 on Single Windows and help to

expand UN repository of Single Window case studies


UNeDocs - UNeDocsUKUNeDocs - UNeDocsUK

• Aim: Develop UNeDocsUK to point where it can be promoted as available for business

• Headlines:– Continued support for UNeDocs standards development– Work with countries such as Senegal, Australia, Malaysia and

Pakistan to help them implement UNeDocs– Development of UNeDocsUK national standards including electronic

versions of dangerous goods and standard shipping notes– Promote UNeDocsUK demonstrating benefits to UK traders,

including publication of Guide to UNeDocsUK


UN / CEFACTUN / CEFACT

• Aim: Maintain SITPRO leadership within UN/CEFACT in support of UN standards for paper and electronic trade documents

• Headlines:– Seek to adopt UNeDocs as international standard for e-documents– Promote new Recommendations relating to development of national

single windows– Cultivate concept of international alliance of national PRO

organisations


Ports and bordersPorts and borders

• Aim: Maintain Ports and Borders Group as national UK champion of reform of port and other border procedures

• Headlines:– Complete work on container seals initiative– Review trader consultation groups with a view to making them more

effective through streamlining – Consider holding high-level Group attended by Ministers


LicenseesLicensees

• Aim: Implement new licensee agreement• Headlines:

– Implement new licensee agreement on 1 July 2006– Review effectiveness of licensee system based on take-up of new

licensee agreement– Release design model for e-Documents to licensees at realistic fee


CommunicationsCommunications

• Aim: Develop new communications strategy leading to higher UK profile

• Headlines:– Develop media strategy including forward annual programme of

announceables by SITPRO and its Advisory Groups– Develop national awareness programme for SITPRO brand and

activities, including programme of regional events – get out and about and be visible

– Political and media lobbying


SITPRO’s StaffSITPRO’s StaffChief Executive

Accountant

Director, PolicyDirector,

International Trade

Senior Policy Manager

PA to Chief Exec

Research Analyst

Deputy Director, Europe

Deputy Director, e-Business

Head of Communications

Helpdesk Manager


SITPRO’s FundingSITPRO’s Funding

SOURCE 2006/07 (£)

•DTI Grant-in-Aid 900,000

•Licensee income 20,000

•Other income 80,000

TOTAL 1,000,000


SITPROSimplifying International TradeSimplifying International Trade

Tel: +44 20 7215 8150

www.sitpro.org.uk