Component 3: Customs, Transport and ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS)

Component 3 supports the harmonization of Customs, enhanced cross-border transport environment, and implementation of ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) for seamless movement of goods within ASEAN. Component 3 is designed to support the objectives of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025 towards the progressive reduction or the elimination of border and behind -the ? border regulatory barriers that impede trade, to achieve the competitive, efficient and seamless movement of goods within the region.

Focus area 1 is dedicated towards Customs and Measures which aim to expedite Customs clearance and release of goods and to reduce the time and costs required for Customs transactions. This is achieved through provision of support towards the enhancement of Customs and clearance procedures and support towards partnership with businesses and the trading community. In addition to this ARISE Plus also extends assistance to the development of standard Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes and AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) in ASEAN. The project is also supporting Customs enforcement and mutual assistance processes which aims to actively promote member states participation in on going enforcement programmes in ASEAN. The project is dedicated to ensuring that all ASEAN member states will gain from the technical assistance provided and therefore extends assistance to narrow the development gap in Customs especially to Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV) in catching up with new developments in Customs techniques.

Focus area 2 deals with Transport Measures which will contribute towards an enhanced cross-border transport environment implemented within ASEAN, for the benefit of the private sector cross-border trading community and passengers. The main activities of focus are 2. Operationalising the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit (AFAFGIT) and the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Inter-State Transport (AFAFIST). The project also supports the implementation of the Action Plan for ASEAN Framework Agreement on Multi Modal Transport (AFAMT) and the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of the Cross-Border Transport of Passengers by Road Vehicle (ASEAN-CBTP). These sets of agreements when ratified and implemented successfully across all ASEAN Member States (AMS) will help achieve the aim of focus areas 2.

Focus area 3 is dedicated towards the ACTS Implementation with the intention of the ACTS installed and operating live within a ratified legal environment on the ASEAN north-south and east-west transit transport corridors. To enable this, ARISE Plus will support the implementation of the ACTS legal framework and support the full roll out of ACTS in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The project in its inclusive approach will also extend support to the roll out of ACTS in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam. To ensure sustainability of the systems implemented ARISE Plus will develop the capacity of the ACTS Central Management Team (CMT) who are responsible for the management of on-going operations of ACTS. To ensure the effective management of all agreed changes to the ACTS, ARISE Plus will carry out functional upgrades of the ACTS.

 

Implementation Strategy

 

To support greater economic integration in ASEAN through the full implementation of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and of the ASEAN Economic Community Blue Print 2025 (AECB)

Sub-Component 3.1	Customs Measures
	Enhanced harmonisation of the customs environment within ASEAN in support of the facilitation of ASEAN trade with more effective partnerships between customs authorities and the business community
Sub-Component 3.2	Transport Measures
	An enhanced cross-border transport environment implemented within ASEAN, for the benefit of the private sector cross-border trading community and passengers
Sub-Component 3.3	ACTS Implementation
	The ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) installed and operating live within a ratified legal environment on the ASEAN north-south and east-west transit transport corridors