Department of  (DoC) is preparing to launch a single “digital window system” that would enable traders to submit their documents to a single platform which would be electronically available to other authorities concerned.

Launching its web-based system named Automated System of Customs Data—ASYCUDA World—for customs data processing and management on Tuesday on the occasion of the 64th International Customs Day, the department announced its plans to launch “Nepal National Single Window”.

“The single window system will help reduce entrepreneurs’ time and cost at a time when the country has the worst record in timely delivery of goods in South Asia,” said Sebantak Pokharel, National Project Unit Director for both the systems at the DoC, at a media interaction here on Wednesday.

He said the project has so far identified 62 government agencies and private sector bodies that would be connected to the singe window. “A consulting firm has submitted a report about what type of system to be developed,” he said.  

DoC has prepared a bid document for developing such a system and it has been forwarded to the World Bank, the donor helping the development of the new system.

“We will call a bid after getting no objection letter from the World Bank,” he said.

DoC Director General Sishir Dhungana said it planned to start the system from 2018.

As far as the ASYCUDA World is concerned, DoC plans to implement it at 10 customs offices by the end of this fiscal year, starting at Mechi Customs Office.

Under the system, a centralised software has already been established at the DoC with a back-up inside Singha Durbar. “The same platform will be connected to customs offices across the country,” said Dhungana.

The ASYCUDA++ software should be installed at every customs office, operating which requires experts, according to DoC .

“ASYCUDA World is an integrated system and one set of experts at DoC can operate the software and any change in the customs policy can be adjusted in it and all the customs office can work with it,” said Ram Dutta Bhatta, computer officer at DoC.