Technical Note: Terminology for Single Window and other ePlatforms (UNECE and UN/CEFACT)
UNECE Recommendation n°33 (ECE/TRADE/352) describes the basis for establishing a Single Window for export, import and transit clearance. Since the publication of this Recommendation in 2004, the term Single Window has, at times, been used to describe various mechanisms and computer systems, which has been the cause for confusion among stakeholders and users (notably in the business community).
This technical note provides the key elements for an official definition of Single Window, and proposes an alternative vocabulary for mechanisms that are similar in nature or function to Single Windows but do not satisfy all of the criteria of Recommendation n°33. The objective is to create a controlled vocabulary in order to be clear about the scope and nature of any given mechanism.
This document was submitted to the twenty-third session of the UN/CEFACT Plenary for noting.