Economy > Entrepreneurship > Trading Across Borders > Index ranking: Countries Compared

DEFINITION: Home > Methodology > Trading Across Borders Print this page Print Trading Across Borders Doing Business compiles procedural requirements for exporting and importing a standardized cargo of goods. Every official procedure for importing and exporting the goods is recorded -- from the contractual agreement between the two parties to the delivery of goods -- along with the time necessary for completion. All documents and signatures required for clearance of the goods across the border are also recorded. For importing goods, procedures range from the vessel’s arrival at the port of entry to the cargo’s delivery at the factory warehouse. For exporting goods, procedures range from the packing of the goods at the factory to their departure from the port of exit. Local freight forwarders, shipping lines, customs brokers and port officials provide information on required documents and signatures as well as the time to complete each procedure. NOTE: This is a ranking derived from several indicators, 1 being the best (ranked first). The higher the number on this graph, the lower their overall ranking. Invert this graph by clicking on 'Amount' at the top. Consult source for details on methodology.