The ASEAN Single Window (ASW) Web Portal was officially launched in Manila on May 8, 2013 with the Philippines as host country.
The ASW Web Portal is a web-based interactive facility that will make available information on the ASEAN Single Window and the National Single Windows (NSW) of ASEAN member states. Through the web portal, public and private sector stakeholders will be updated on ASW developments, which will in turn enhance the ability of NSWs to expedite clearance through electronic exchange of data among regulatory agencies and traders alike. The ASW is a key component of the ASEAN’s plan to achieve the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.
Specifically, the ASEAN Web Portal aims to:
– Provide a single source of legal/regulatory and technical information on ASW-related matters
– Serve as the community forum of dialogue and consultation as well as a platform to raise awareness and understanding of the ASW and the Member State NSWs
European Union ACC3
The mention of 2015 as target year to achieve ASEAN Economic Community reminds me of an airfreight security initiative which the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is already starting to raise stakeholder awareness.
Based on information found on the IATA website, new EU regulations for the security of incoming air cargo and mail resulted from a review of aviation security legislation. These new regulations require air carriers transporting cargo and mail into the EU from non-EU countries to ensure certain standards for security are met prior to the loading of an aircraft bound for the EU. These regulations have been applicable from February 1, 2012 and are focused on air carriers as opposed to foreign states.
The regulations require air carriers flying air cargo and mail into the EU to be designated as an “Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport” (ACC3). This regulation becomes mandatory in July 2014.
I will provide additional updates once these are available from IATA.
Leo V. Morada is a domain expert on IT applications in Philippine port operations with 25 years’ senior IT management experience implementing technology solutions in port operations, electronic transactions with customs & port authority, and air/sea port community system applications. He is CEO of Cargo Data Exchange Center, Inc, a customs-accredited Value Added Service Provider. He can be contacted at lmorada3f1@yahoo.com.
