International Convention on the Harmonization of Frontier Controls of Goods

General Information

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What is it about?

This Convention, adopted under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), improves the international movement of goods by harmonizing frontier controls. State Parties have to provide their customs services with sufficient personnel and equipment. Adjacent State Parties having a common inland frontier are held to cooperate and to facilitate the passage of goods. This obligation implies the arrangement of shared facilities for the joint control of goods or documents and the adjustment of opening hours of frontier posts as well as the control services operating there. State Parties are advised to use documents aligned on the United Nations Layout Key for trade documents and have to provide simple and speedy treatment for goods, limiting inspections to cases where these are warranted by actual circumstances or risks.

Why is it relevant?

The provisions of the 1982 Convention reduce paperwork in import or export operations and the number and duration of frontier controls. This Convention facilitates international trade between State Parties by establishing national and international cooperation in customs matters. Membership to the present Convention is open to all States.

Additional Information

The State Parties withhold the right to restrict the import, export or transit of goods for reasons of public order, public safety, morality and health, or for the protection of the environment, of cultural heritage or industrial, commercial and intellectual property.

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