11. Through ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), ASEAN has achieved significant progress in the removal of tariffs. However, free flow of goods would require not only zero tariffs but the removal of non-tariff barriers as well. In addition, another major component that would facilitate free flow of goods is trade facilitation measures such as integrating customs procedures, establishing the ASEAN Single Window, continuously enhancing the Common Effective Preferential Tariffs (CEPT) Rules of Origin including its Operational Certification Procedures, and harmonising standards and conformance procedures.
12. The Common Effective Preferential Tariffs for ASEAN Free Trade Area (CEPT-AFTA) Agreement will be reviewed and enhanced to become a comprehensive agreement in realising free flow of goods and applicable to ASEAN needs for accelerated economic integration towards 2015.
13. Elimination of Tariffs. Tariffs on all intra-ASEAN goods will be eliminated in accordance with the schedules and commitments set out in the CEPT-AFTA Agreement and other relevant Agreements/Protocols.
14. Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers. ASEAN has achieved significant progress in tariff liberalisation. The main focus of ASEAN towards 2015 will be placed on the full elimination of non- tariff barriers (NTBs).
15. Rules of Origin (ROO): Putting in place ROO which are responsive to the dynamic changes in global production processes so as to: facilitate trade and investment among ASEAN Member Countries; promote a regional production network; encourage development of SMEs and the narrowing of development gaps; and promote the increased usage of the AFTA CEPT Scheme.
16. Trade facilitation. Simple, harmonised and standardised trade and customs, processes, procedures and related information flows are expected to reduce transaction costs in ASEAN which will enhance export competitiveness and facilitate the integration of ASEAN into a single market for goods, services and investments and a single production base.
17. Customs Integration. In light of the acceleration of AEC, the realisation of ASEAN Customs Vision 2020 is brought forward to 2015. In particular, the 2005-2010 Strategic Plan of Customs Development aims to: (a) integrate customs structures; (b) modernise tariff classification, customs valuation and origin determination and establish ASEAN e-Customs; (c) smoothen customs clearance; (d) strengthen human resources development; (e) promote partnership with relevant international organisations; (f) narrow the development gaps in customs; and (g) adopt risk management techniques and audit-based control (PCA) for trade facilitation.
18. ASEAN Single Window. The implementation of measures of simplifying, harmonising and standardising trade and customs, processes, procedures and the application of ICT in all areas related to trade facilitation would be paramount in the ultimate creation of an ASEAN Single Window. The ASEAN Single Window is an environment where ten National Single Windows of individual Member Countries operate and integrate. National Single Window enables a single submission of data and information, a single and synchronous processing of data and information and a single decision- making for customs clearance of cargo, which expedites the customs clearance, reduce transaction time and costs, and thus enhance trade efficiency and competitiveness.
19. Standards and Technical Barriers to Trade. Systems of standards, quality assurance, accreditation, and measurement are crucial to promote greater efficiency and enhance cost effectiveness of production of intra-regional imports/exports. Standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures will be harmonised through the implementation of the ASEAN Policy Guideline on Standards and Conformance, with greater transparency, improved quality of conformity assessment and active participation of the private sector.