National Single Window

Currently, these procedures are duplicative and time consuming, resulting in costs and delays, thus making maritime transport less attractive compared to other modes. The COM(2014) 320/25.6.2014 report urges member states to increase efforts for this major simplification and harmonisation of the current reporting procedures.

All member states have done considerable work to transfer the 2010/65 directive. Initiatives for the National Single Window implementation have been taken, mostly building on existing platforms, technical solutions and standards.

The European Commission recommends that EU guidelines and technical specifications for the implementation of the National Single Windows are agreed upon and are considered as an urgent matter by the European Coordination Group. In the absence of harmonised implementation with non-interoperable standards, the National Single Windows might differ from member state to member state, compelling industry players to develop interfaces to communicate with these systems.

By Jake Frith