GUN (National single window for customs clearance)

What is the GUN? Definition

The GUN (National single window for customs clearance) is an IT system managed by the Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes (DGDDI).

It interconnects the DELTA customs clearance system with the information systems of other administrations that issue public policy documents (DOP) required for certain customs formalities.

When a document within the scope of the GUN is mentioned in a customs declaration, the information declared in DELTA can be automatically checked and compared with the data recorded in the competent administration’s system.

The GUN operates transparently for the declarant. It is not a portal where the operator submits all their administrative formalities: the customs declaration is submitted in DELTA, while checks and exchanges with partner systems are carried out automatically via the GUN link.

The GUN is accessible to declarants using DELTA, without specific GUN authorisation.

Context of use

The GUN is used when the customs declaration includes a public policy document subject to an interconnection implemented with a partner administration.

Its scope notably covers certain authorisations, licences, certificates, and sanitary, agricultural, environmental documents, or those relating to goods subject to specific regulations.

The interconnections implemented include:

• DELTA – TRACES for certain sanitary documents, notably Common Health Entry Documents (CHED);
• DELTA – FranceAgriMer (RCE) for certain agricultural certificates;
• DELTA – SEMAE for documents relating to the import of seeds and plants;
• DELTA – SIGALE for export licences for war material;
• DELTA – SIGIS for authorisations relating to radionuclides;
• DELTA – ODS for certain licences relating to ozone-depleting substances;
• DELTA – SORAF&L for certain certificates of conformity and admission reports for fruit and vegetables;
• DELTA – ICG for certain documents relating to the import of cultural goods;
• DELTA – EGIDE for certain export licences for dual-use items.

The scope of the GUN is gradually evolving as new interconnections with partner administrations and databases are put into production.

Practical issues

The use of the GUN involves significant administrative obligations:

• Synchronised transmission: automated exchanges are carried out at different stages of the declaration lifecycle.
• Format and standardisation: data transmitted via the GUN must comply with the formats and standards defined by each administration.
• Exchanges with partner systems: the GUN enables exchanges with partner systems and, in some cases, the monitoring of licence or certificate reservations/imputations.
• Declarant responsibility: the declarant remains responsible for the data entered in the declaration. GUN checks can detect inconsistencies and, in some cases, lead to the rejection of the declaration.

Associated terms

• DOP – Public policy document
• Administrative window