Year: 2013
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: This article is based on a use case proposing a Single Window implementation for borderless customs control in the European Union (EU). This EU e-Customs initiative proposes to combine trade facilitation from a customs perspective with secure trade based on supply chain risk analysis. To achieve this, government authorities would require access to the complete set of supply chain data, which is technically feasible as traders already have a lot of data available to meet customer requirements (Hofman 2011). Clearly, access to the full range of data of all actors in the trade chain, which also includes relevant member state authorities, improves transparency, accountability, and compliance with the rule of law. However, assuming that data are obtained directly from a trader or another government authority, security and privacy issues are a main concern. The new data-oriented approach to customs control of products (rather than the traditional process-driven control of cargo1) has implications for the relationship between authorities, traders, and technology providers, and consequently for the public values that are associated with service delivery. The e-Customs initiative is exemplary for the shift from new public management to digital-era governance (Dunleavy et al. 2006). We use actor-network theory (ANT) to explore how the transition to a paperless environment for customs and trade creates new institutional assemblages for customs control in the EU. As ANT treats different actors, such as humans, things (ICTs, data, governments, firms) and ideas (information, scientific theories, reputation) on equal terms, it is well adapte to study the role played by knowledge and technology in institutional change.
Institution: Delft University of Technology
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2097222968