Simplification Programme for Exports (Simplex Exportações)

Web address of the case:

http://www.simplex.pt/downloads/Simplex_Expor...

Country of the case:

Portugal

Posting Date:

5 July 2012

Last Edited Date:

05 July 2012

Author:

AMA Agência para a modernização administrativa (AMA - Agência para a modernização administrativa)

modernization | simplification | Exports

Type of initiative

Project or service
Network
Strategic initiative

Case Abstract

This is the first simplification programme dedicated to an specific theme: the exports. The main objective is to implement measures that will contribute to the simplification of procedures making it easier to export.

Description of the case

Domain

eGovernment

Topic

Inclusive eGovernment | Services for Businesses | Services for Citizens

Sector

Internal market

Start date - End date

December 2010 (Ongoing)

Target Users

Scope

Cross-border | International | National

Status

Not applicable / Not available

Language(s)

Portuguese

Policy Context and Legal Framework

The Simplex Exports was elaborated in close collaboration between different ministries and services of the public administration, and all the measures implemented resulted from suggestions of entrepreneurial associations and enterprises themselves. It is a open project, with space for the inclusion of new measures that are deemed convenient, including some of the previously received suggestions that couldn’t yet be implemented.

Project Size and Implementation

Type of initiative

Participation

Overall Implementation approach

Public administration

Technology choice

Not applicable/not available

Funding source

Implementation and Management Approach

Although the theme “exports” appear now by itself, the objective of simplifying procedures that make exports easy is not new on Simplex system.
Since 2006, tens of measures with direct impact on exports were already concluded. Just to mention some of them, the customs procedures were radically simplified by dematerializing the “Export Declaration” and several other forms, eliminating double inspections. It was also created the Single Port Window (JUP), allowing for the reduction of time for customs procedures from between 3 and 4 days to between 1 and 2 hours. The Single Port Card was also instituted and made possible to dismiss a set of different and complex authorizations that were emitted by different authorities (maritime, borders, port and container terminal).
This program continues this effort of administrative modernization for the outgoing trade.
The Simplex Exports is one of the fifty measures announced as part of the Initiative for the Competitiveness and Employment, approved in December 15th 2010.

Impact, innovation and results

Impact

The programme has contemplated twelve simplification measures in 2011:

M01 – Quicker VAT Exemption;
M02 – Easier export of products subject to the special tax on consumption;
M03 – Proof-certificate of electronic exports;
M04 – Extension of the deadline for the presentation of documents;
M05 – More accessible international trade statistics;
M06 – More services at the exporters desk;
M07 – A more transparent AICEP support;
M08 – Closer and simpler diplomatic information;
M09 – Reduction of trade barriers;
M10 – Information on industrial property for the exports support;
M11 – Easier patents register in Spain (Patent Prosecution - Iberian Highway);
M12 – Automatic payments in all the Regional Agriculture Directions

Composed by twelve measures by different entities, the Simplex Export Programme has ended on a 87.5% execution rate, in which nine measures were concluded in time and three others are still being executed (M01 – Quicker VAT Exemption; M02 – Easier export of products subject to the special tax on consumption; M03 – Proof-certificate of electronic exports).

Lessons learnt

Once that all the measures included on the Simplification Programme for Exports resulted from suggestions of entrepreneurial associations and enterprises themselves, it is on the interest of these enterprises to participate in the next programme, namely by the presentation of proposals and suggestions intending to simplify the administrative portion of the process.

The following actions should be

Given the relevance of the issue for the national economy in the current economic context, a new simplification agenda dedicated to the Exports shall be launched in 2012.

The creation of a workgroup composed by organizations of the Central Public Administration is scheduled to be created, and others, such as the Institute for the Support of Small and Medium Enterprises and of Innovation (IAPMEI) or the General-Direction of Economic Activities (DEGAE), will also be part of it. This workgroup will identify the opportunities for improvement of the sector, originating a new combined effort when it comes to simplification projects. It will be AMA job to follow and monitor the measures to include on the programme.

Multimedia Content Select a Tab

There isn't any SlideShare for this case

There isn't any image for this case

There isn't any Video for this case

practice Simplification Programme for Exports (Simplex Exportações)