· One Stop Border Post initiatives · Non-intrusive Inspection initiatives · Modernisation Projects: Customs administrations in member states are undergoing modernisation initiatives which are an opportunity to enhance enforcement systems, e.g. risk engines in the region. 8 Principles Customs administrations should ensure that their respective IT systems are interoperable. To this end, Member States need to be mindful of the following international norms and standards in the development and implementation of ICT related projects. 8.1 Revised Kyoto Convention The Revised Kyoto Convention, being a “blueprint” for modernized Customs, defines guiding principles for the use of ICT in its General Annex Guidelines chapter 7. The use of international standardized and harmonized information definitions and messages is one of the paramount principles. Combined with the recommendation that countries require as little information as necessary for cross border control purposes, the ICT principles contribute to the global trade facilitation applying a risk management based approach to the necessary processing of international trade. 8.2 Revised text “Alignment to the WCO Data Model” Customs administrations should ensure that their respective IT systems are able to interconnect using standardized information and messages in paperless cross border procedures. To this end, Customs should use the WCO Data Model, which defines a maximum set of data for the accomplishment of arrival, departure, transit and release formalities in a single window environment covering the cross border movement of goods, people, means of transport and transport equipment. The Data Model also defines the electronic message formats for relevant Cargo and Goods declarations. 8.3 Automation Using minimum information requirement to accomplish procedures at arrival, departure, transit and release combined with standardized data and messages, Customs administrations are provided with the opportunity to apply automated processes. High levels of automation will 9 Draft SADC Customs ICT Strategy 2012 Page 9