La Customs authorities of Costa Rica and China signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) within the framework of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, the Ministry of Finance of the Central American country reported on Monday (17.04.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX).
This is an instrument negotiated and signed by two or more countries to ensure and facilitate trade, recognize importers and exporters who have obtained AEO certification and grant them benefits at the counterpart customs, in addition to being seen worldwide as reliable partners.
From December 2019, and as part of the negotiation process, an action plan was established in which the customs of Costa Rica and China carried out compatibility studies of the AEO Programs and reviewed the regulations.
They also verified the international standards defined by this program and the compliance with the SAFE Framework of the World Customs Organization.
“With the signing of this MRA, companies certified as OEA-Costa Rica will receive preferential conditions for the clearance of their goods in China, which will generate a reduction in costs and shorter times in customs procedures, as well as benefits when importing goods from one of the more than 4.500 OEA-certified companies in that country,” he explained. Gerardo Bolaños, Director General of Customs.
Countries that sign these agreements undertake to take the necessary measures to strengthen the security of the logistics supply chain.
As of March 2023, Costa Rica has signed Mutual Recognition Arrangements with Mexico, Central America (Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras) and Colombia, in addition to the Regional Arrangement of the Americas (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic and Uruguay).
El OAS program is voluntary, free and any trade operator that meets the requirements established for certification may participate. Currently, Costa Rica has more than 30 certified companies in the export, import, port operator and cargo terminal regimes.
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