The Honduran Customs Administration is moving forward with the implementation of a trade facilitation project, which is the Authorized Economic Operator Program (OAS), which responds to the guidelines of the World Customs Organization, the entity reported.
The measure is part of the modernization process of the Honduran Customs Administration, established in the strategic objectives proposed in the Institutional Strategic Plan 2020-2025, which is to facilitate legal trade and promote the growth of economic activity.
The agency detailed that "The OEA is the recognition or status that a customs entity grants to a company "which demonstrates its commitment to security throughout the logistics chain by adopting fundamental practices to improve and comply with security requirements, which generates a series of benefits in its foreign trade operations and recognition as a safe company for both its business partners and the customs authority."
The program is voluntary and free of charge, and any actor in the logistics chain may participate: the manufacturer, exporter, importer, customs agent, freight agent or shipping company, warehouse or depositary, transporters, express delivery or courier companies, cargo companies, or others provided by the Customs Administration, for which they must comply with the following provisions established for this purpose.
Requirements to be an OAS
- Have at least three (3) years of operations in international trade in the State Party.
- Have sufficient financial availability to meet its commitments according to the nature and characteristics of the type of economic activity carried out.
- Compliance demonstrated within the tax and customs legal framework for three (3) consecutive years.
- Have an adequate administrative management system and records of its commercial operations that allow for customs service controls.
- Have adequate security and protection measures in relation to personal cargo, business partners, IT, transport, facilities, as well as staff training and awareness.
The Honduran Customs Administration has been working for several months on the implementation and development of the Authorized Economic Operator.
With the implementation of the OEA, Honduras Customs seeks to increase the competitiveness of the private sector, reduce time and cost in operations, and strengthen relations and alliances between the public and private sectors.
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