Revision of UN Recommendation 36 Single Window Interoperability

other

Project Details

Relevant SDG targets

SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 16 and SDG 17.

Project Purpose

The purpose of this project is to revise UN/CEFACT Recommendation 36 to deliver a comprehensive, practical, and actionable framework for Single Window interoperability, with a primary focus on enabling secure and trusted government-to-government (G2G) cross-border data exchanges for regulatory purpopses. The revised recommendation will provide:

• Practical guidance and model frameworks for establishing mutual legal recognition between juridictions , enabling the acceptance of electronic regulatory documents ( e.g., ePhyto SPS certificates, eCITES permits, AEO data) across borders.
• Robust and defined mechanisms for security, data confidentiality, and  trust mechanisms  to address sovereignty and security concerns.
• Distinguish between foundational connectivity and advance functional interoperability, providing guidance for each stage.
• Actionable implementation toolkits – including checklists, model agreement clauses, and gap analysis guides – to support the effective management of interoperability between national or regional Single Window systems.

The deliverables will include the updated Recommendation 36, supported by comprehensive implementation guidelines and policy recommendations, all tailored to facilitate efficient, secure and trusted international G2G data exchanges.

Project Scope

The revised Recommendation 36 will provide a comprehensive framework for Single Window interoperability, primarily supporting secure government-to-government (G2G) exchanges of regulatory data, recognizing the distinct legal, technical, and operational requirements. 

The project will contribute to the enhancement of digital connectivity for climate-smart trade and transport corridors, fostering global and regional integration in compliance with Planned Result 1 in the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) Programme of Work for 2025-2026.

Project Deliverables

Deliverable 1: Policy Recommendation

Exit Criteria

Deliverable 1: Public Review logs demonstrating all comments have been satisfactorily resolved; Final document ready for publication.

Impact analysis

The revised Recommendation 36 will deliver measurable benefits across policy, trade, technology, and sustainable development dimensions. While the existing Recommendation 36 has already supported interoperability initiatives, the revision is essential to ensure continued relevance by incorporating the significant advancements of recent years such as enhanced digital trust frameworks, emerging regional trade corridors, and evolving cybersecurity and data protection requirements.

• Lowers transaction costs and clearance times by promoting acceptance of electronic documents (e.g., SPS certificates, eCITES permits, AEO data).
• Enables MSMEs, women-led businesses, and traders in developing economies to integrate into global value chains more easily.
• Increases competitiveness and resilience of supply chains during disruptions.
• Provides step-by-step guidance for countries at different levels of readiness, from foundational connectivity to advanced interoperability.
• Enhances trust frameworks for cybersecurity, confidentiality, and authentication in G2G exchanges.
• Promotes sustainability through paperless processes and more efficient border procedures.

Project Team Membership and Required Functional Expertise

In addition, Heads of Delegations may invite technical experts from their constituency to participate in the work.
Experts are expected to contribute to the work based solely on their expertise and to comply with the UN/CEFACT Code of Conduct and Ethics and the policy on Intellectual Property Rights.

Geographical Focus

The geographical focus of the project is global.

Initial Contributions

• UNECE RECOMMENDATION 36 “Single Window Interoperability”
• UNECE RECOMMENDATION 33 “Single Window Recommendation”
• UNECE RECOMMENDATION 35 “Establishing a legal framework for international trade Single Window”
• UNECE RECOMMENDATION 34 “Data Simplification and Standardization for International Trade”
• Guidelines establishing Regional Single Window – White paper

Resource Requirements

Participants in the project shall provide resources for their own participation. The existence and functioning of the project shall not require any additional resources from the UNECE secretariat.

Project Leadership

Eva Chan Chaw Peng (E-mail: Eva_chan99@yahoo.com)