This note provides information on planning and implementing electronic national single window systems to support efficient compliance with international trade regulations.

A national single window enables trade and transport stakeholders to provide information to multiple government agencies through one platform to meet import, export, and transit requirements efficiently. Processing international trade through a single window reduces cargo release time and the cost of doing business, increases competitiveness and efficiency, and improves the way business is done. The guidance note explores why such a system matters, key governance and design components, international interoperability, good practices, and risk mitigation.