In the midst of a pandemic and after two hurricanes, the Honduran Customs Administration has officially presented today (28.01.2021/XNUMX/XNUMX) the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, an initiative that has its origin in the regulatory framework of the World Customs Organization to ensure and facilitate global trade.
The new program has had the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the US Embassy in Honduras and the collaboration of the Honduran private sector. In addition, representatives of the Customs-Trade Strategic Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and the USAID assistance program for El Salvador, among others, participated in the virtual event where the announcement was made.
El Regional Vice President of the OMA, Werner Ovalle, stressed that there are 85 current AEO certifications from the 183 members that make up the world body, of which 20 belong to the Americas and the Caribbean. He also mentioned that “2.400 companies are authorized as trusted operators, which demonstrates the commitment to generate actions that promote trade facilitation and good security practices of the customs-private sector pillar of the respective regulatory framework." And he emphasized: "The AEO programs are a matter of Shared responsibility and commitment between the public and private sectors. The benefit is the increase in opportunities for the country and the region in times of pandemic that require a sustainable economic recovery.”
The OEA program is a mechanism certified by the Customs Administration that aims to ensure and facilitate the logistics chain in exports and imports of the private sector. One of the main advantages of the program is that companies that achieve accreditation and certification receive the benefit of having their goods cleared from airports and ports more quickly. It includes the reduction of physical and documentary controls on shipments, ease of carrying out controls at the operator's premises, priority in clearance and the creation of fast lanes.
The Government, an ally of the private sector
Thus, the Government of Honduras, with the help of the WCO, is taking key measures that allow its customs to be a strategic and competitive entity in line with current times, becoming an ally of the private sector.
In this regard, Maria Antonia Rivera, Presidential Designee, he pointed: "The Honduran Customs today faces new challenges and responsibilities that go beyond revenue collection, such as facilitating and streamlining lawful trade and protecting national security.” Thus, he invited importers and exporters to participate in the OEA program to optimize the organization, processes, administration and financial statements, and compliance with a series of security standards. Also, to interact with other reliable and secure operators from the United States, China, Mexico, Canada and Central America.
Along those lines, José Vides, Executive Director of Customs, promoted the synergy with the private sector and asked for their commitment to be collaborators of the customs administration to guarantee security in the logistics chain and obtain more benefits in their national, regional and global operations. He also stressed: “The implementation of the OAS Program is a challenge, which has been in the works for several years, but today it is being implemented to keep up with the changes that are generated in trade to lead the country along paths of controlled, more agile and safe trade.”
Tripartite gain
Subsequently, the IDB Integration and Trade Specialist Sandra Corcuera, praised the leadership of the authorities in launching the OAS program and the Honduran private sector for being its ally in the midst of a global health pandemic. “Such an initiative is a tripartite win-win: customs, private sector, country and region. In some way, This achievement aligns Honduras with international standards of the World Customs Organization's SAFE framework and the trade facilitation agreement," he said.
The day continued with presentations by experts in three forums with representatives from the United States, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, among others, and by representatives of the AEO Companies of the Region. Finally, the certificate was presented to the first AEO Company, Price Smart SA, a company dedicated to international purchasing operations through membership in wholesale warehouses.
This OAS program is part of the priority projects of the Honduran Customs Administration. The initiative responds to the recommendations issued by the World Customs Organization and the World Trade Organization and also to the fulfillment of the commitments acquired by the country as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
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