Step 5. Explore measures that can be take to make trade facilitation work for SMEs.
Adjusting TF implementation to SMEs
Governments can use different approaches to respond to the concerns of SMEs and mitigate the impact of regulation for SMEs. The approaches that can be used include positive measures allowing for a different treatment of SMEs compared to large enterprise and dedicated support measures to provide incentives and assistance for SMEs to comply with the requirements. The following type of measures can be observed:
Mitigation measures
whereby SMEs are granted exemptions and derogations and transition periods in particular with regards to reporting and information requirements. Such measures do not change the compliance requirements itself but aim to make it easier for SME to fulfil them.
Regulatory difference measures
whereby the rules provide for different ways how SMEs can fulfil the regulatory requirements or sets different requirements for SMEs. This approach is often used for licenses and permits formalities and for reducing fees for SMEs, such as accessing computerized systems.
Service standards
Whereby the administrative body commits to a specific quality of service for SMEs to benefit from – can be found in form of shorter processing time and fixed maximum deadlines for formalities.
Support measures
Whereby the administrative body makes available additional resources for SMEs – Commonly takes the form of training and awareness raising on the regulatory requirements for SMEs or dedicated SMEs Contact points.
| AREA | COUNTRY | TOPIC |
| Access to information | Korea | National information programme on FTA policy, preferential tariffs and rules of origin |
| AEO | Hong Kong China SAR | Two tier accreditation criteria for businesses registering for AE FTF benefits |
| Korea | SEM support (advice and finance for AEP certification) | |
| Jamaica | SME flexibility | |
| France | Sponsorship programme for SME in cooperation with transporter association. | |
| EU | Flexibility for SME in fulfilling the criteria for AEO authorisation | |
| Single Window | Singapore | Free services for SMEs |
| Thailand | Training programme for SMEs to access NSW | |
| Duty and Tax deferment | Mauritius | Scheme for SMEs to defer payment of duties, taxes and excise |
| Financial surety | Lithuania | Waiving of guarantees for activities in excise warehouses for small breweries |
| Fees and charges | EU | Reduced inspection fees by the European Medicines agency for SME |
| Consultation | EU | Enterprise Europe Network, Network of SME envoys |
The next two steps will show an overview (non-exhaustive) of examples of SME measures in the field of trade facilitation.
