Through innovative solutions, UN Trade and Development continues to revolutionize customs operations globally, supporting economic growth in a fast-changing world.
© Shutterstock/RUBEN M RAMOS | Port Colombo, Sri Lanka.
In 2024, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) marked its 60th anniversary with a forward-looking agenda and renewed commitment to driving inclusive prosperity amid global crises and trade disruptions.
Central to this mission is ASYCUDA, a customs automation programme that replaces outdated paper-based trade procedures with efficient, secure digital operations, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in trade and regulatory processes worldwide.
For over 40 years, it has helped more than 100 economies speed up customs clearance, boost public revenues, reduce corruption, streamline humanitarian aid delivery and combat illegal trade.
A new report highlights the programme’s 2024 achievements in bolstering customs reform and modernization through pioneering research, digital infrastructure development, trade and logistics facilitation, business process optimization and capacity-building.
“On our side, I can assure you that ASYCUDA will remain at the forefront of digital transformation and use of the latest technologies to help member states harness the full potential of trade and logistics for sustainable development,” says UN Trade and Development Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno, who chairs the ASYCUDA Advisory Board.
As the organization’s largest technical assistance programme, ASYCUDA is a cornerstone of its vision for equitable and sustainable global trade.
Ongoing innovation, profound impact in supply chain management and trade processes
The programme upgraded its flagship software ASYCUDAWorld to version 4.4 in 2024, enhancing functionality and security.
Through platforms like ASYHUB, ASYCUDA helps governments and businesses improve supply chain efficiency and information sharing by integrating data between ASYCUDAWorld and external systems. ASYHUB also catalyses e-commerce growth by securely accelerating the clearance of small parcels.
Backed by ASYCUDA technologies, electronic single windows – one-stop digital platforms connecting government agencies responsible for clearing cross-border goods – help developing countries streamline import and export processes, reduce costs and enhance trade competitiveness.
Turkmenistan’s single window, for example, registered more than 5,000 users and processed over 20,000 submissions in just eight months after its launch.
In Georgia, ASYCUDA helped put in place a new computerized transit system that paves the way for the country to join the European Union Common Transit Convention, accelerating regional integration.
Solutions for delivering humanitarian aid and protecting endangered species
On the humanitarian front, the Automated System for Relief Consignments (ASYREC) is exploring ways to expedite emergency aid deliveries for swifter responses to future crises.
Meanwhile, the ASYCUDA eCITES system continues to provide automated support for permit application, processing, issuance and reporting related to international trade in endangered plants and animals.
In Sri Lanka, the system recorded a 91% dip in trade in CITES-protected species along with a 65% cut in permit processing times between 2020 and 2023.