The single window approach as a standard of excellence in the provision of public services has gained increasing importance. Designed to reduce bureaucracy and costs in foreign trade, Foreign Trade Single Windows (VUCEs) centralize the administrative procedures necessary for imports and exports in a single platform. No government in the world is immune to this transformation. However, In Latin America, the digitalization of foreign trade is progressing unevenlyWhile some countries have consolidated their VUCEs as key tools to streamline procedures and increase customs transparency, others still face structural and technological challenges that hinder their full implementation.
A study conducted by the International Association of Professional Customs Agents (ASAPRA), started in 2023 and presented to the World Customs Organization (WCO) on 5 and 6 February 2025 in Brussels, offers a conclusive diagnosis on the situation in the region. The research evaluated the perception of intensive users of VUCE in 12 Latin American countries.
According to ASAPRA, as a member of the WCO Private Sector Advisory Group, it was proposed to extend the analysis to countries on the African continent, in order to develop a comparative diagnosis of the conditions and challenges faced by emerging markets.
The study was supported by the project team of the Customs Brokers Union of São Paulo (SINDASP) and the institutional support of the National Federation of Customs Brokers (FEADUANEIROS), both from Brazil, which strengthens the collaboration between private entities and international organizations.
About the One-Stop Shop
The Single Window for Foreign Trade is not a concept New; The internationally accepted definition of a single window is contained in UN/CEFACT Recommendation 33. According to this organization, the digitalization of processes can reduce trade costs by up to 15% and significantly improve the competitiveness of countries.
In recent years, the term “single window” has gained greater relevance in trade facilitation, as recognized by the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The trading community supports this system due to its ability to simplify procedures and optimize the operations of commercial agents.
However, as mentioned in the introduction, the ASAPRA study shows marked differences in the adoption of VUCEs in Latin AmericaWhile Mexico and Brazil have made progress in data automation and integration, Bolivia and Paraguay still face fragmented processes and the use of multiple platforms. The report notes that one 64% of respondents face difficulties in systems integration, a 57% reports failures in technical support and only one 38% considers that the private sector was adequately consulted in the implementation of the VUCEs.
To analyze such evidence, ASAPRA applied a methodology in 12 countries from Latin America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. It was based on the application of structured questionnaires and qualitative interviews, in order to evaluate four indicators:
- Overall user satisfaction
- Perceived efficiency of VUCEs
- Reduction of time and costs in operations
- Main operational challenges
An additional consideration on this subject: the main findings reveal the following characteristics, which we detail below.
- Overall User Satisfaction: The average satisfaction is 3,46 out of 5, with values varying between 2,8 and 4,3 depending on the country. Mexico and Chile were the countries with the highest scores, while Bolivia and Paraguay recorded indices below the average.
- Perceived Efficiency: Perceived efficiency has an average of 3,28 out of 5. Countries with higher levels of automation and interoperability were those that obtained the best ratings.
- Reduction of Time and Costs: In terms of time, an average reduction of 30% in customs processes, with ranges ranging from 15% to 45%. The average user rating was 3,39 out of 5, being especially positive in countries that already implement technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.
In conclusion and as regards the next steps, it is highlighted that “collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the possibility of extending the study to other continents underline the urgent need to implement policies that promote efficiency, predictability and global competitiveness. This research, in short, paves the way for the consolidation of more integrated and modern customs processes, essential for sustainable economic growth and greater competitiveness at a global level.”
Finally, it is highlighted that the Official presentation of the study at the WCO headquarters in Brussels, before Undersecretary General Ricardo Treviño Chapa, was attended by notable personalities.
Namely:
- Nelson Brens Castillo, President of ASAPRA
- Katya López, Coordinator of the ASAPRA Technology Roundtable
- Leaders of ASAPRA member associations from various countries
Among the key topics discussed were the fundamental role of Foreign Trade Single Windows (VUCEs) in the modernization of trade, the urgency of strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors, and the possibility of expanding the study to countries on the African continent.
The second day of the event included a technical meeting led by Karl Flohr, WCO Technical Attaché for Procedures and Facilitation, with the participation of:
- Yuri Cunha, technical specialist responsible for the study
- José Carlos Raposo Barbosa, ASAPRA Regional Vice President for South America
- Marcelo de Castro Ferreira, Director of Institutional Marketing of ASAPRA
- Elson Isayama, President of the São Paulo Customs Brokers Union (SINDASP)
This event thus reaffirmed the commitment of ASAPRA and its partners to continue promoting innovation and integration in customs processes worldwide.
For the above reasons, We invite the community to download the full report, available at English, Portuguese y SpanishWe propose two ways of reading: go through the executive Summary, the sections on one-stop shops, methodology and results, or explore directly andthe country of your interestIt should be noted that the results by country correspond only to those that achieved representative responses, a criterion that Argentina did not meet on this occasion, as clarified by ASAPRA in response to a query from Customs News.
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