The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) calls on governments to address the customs challenges faced by small businesses (SMEs) by taking concrete action.
El Valid identity document, Titulado “Customs measures to save our SMEs”, highlights that the Covid-19 pandemic has severely disrupted supply chains around the world with businesses of all sizes still facing border closures, trade restrictions, travel bans and necessary public lockdowns. Despite the gradual reopening of many economies, immense logistical challenges remain and are likely to become the “new normal” for businesses.
To address such challenges, the report presents solutions in three areas The report provides an overview of the main customs challenges, best practices for customs agencies, and an international agenda for customs agencies. The report clarifies that the concrete measures designed specifically to assist SMEs are based on the experience of ICC's extensive global network in more than 1 countries.
About obstacles and customs challenges faced by SMEs as a result of Covid-19, the following stand out: the reduction of opening hours at customs offices, classification requirements for essential products, and restrictions on non-essential trade, among others.
Regarding the customs best practices, the ICC calls on customs authorities to adopt a risk-based approach to managing compliance and encourages the adoption of electronic documentation instead of paper-based processes. The report notes that since SMEs form critical links in global value chains, policymakers must prioritise these measures, both to ensure the delivery of essential goods and services and to rebuild shattered economies.
Finally, the report recommends the creation of a International agenda for customs agencies as they continue to deal with the consequences of Covid-19. Along these lines, the document suggests everything from coordination with neighbouring countries to the sharing of lessons with the World Customs Organisation (WCO), and provides considerations aimed at strengthening multilateral processes related to customs policies.
Recommendations on customs measures are an urgent call from ICC through Save Our SMEs, a global multi-stakeholder campaign to combat the economic impacts of Covid-19.
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