The World Customs Organization has released the 2020 edition of the Trusted and Secure Economic Operator document, whose accreditation and certification are granted by a customs administration, for dissemination and knowledge of key members and stakeholders in the supply chain.
Thus, the new publication entitled “Compendium of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO)” provides concise and structured description of the existing AEO programmes around the world and the Mutual Recognition Agreements/Arrangements (MRAs) signed between Customs administrations.
The new edition provides a brief summary of each AEO program, including information on accreditation criteria, procedures and expected benefits, as well as associated MRAs. The AEO and MRA programs that are in process are also listed in the Compendium. The Compendium consists of: four parts where the AEO programmes based on the WCO SAFE Regulatory Framework are covered (Part I), the Customs Compliance programmes implemented and under development by Customs administrations (Part II), Mutual Recognition Agreements/Arrangements of AEO programmes (Part III) and an Appendix containing a summary of the information on the different parts that make up the Compendium (Part IV).
Also, based on information provided by members for 2020, the publication identifies the following: data:
- 97 OAS operational programs and 20 OAS programs in development.
- 33 operational Customs compliance programs and 4 Customs compliance programs to be launched.
- 87 bilateral and 4 plurilateral/regional MRAs concluded and 78 MRAs under negotiation.
Since the 2019 edition, 14 additional AEO programmes have been implemented, bringing the total to 97 programmes. The number of bilateral MRAs signed has also increased by 13, bringing the total to 87, compared to 74 in 2019. In addition, MRAs under negotiation now total 78, up from 65 in 2019.
According to the WCO, the Authorized Economic Operator Compendium is a reference resource for Customs administrations and other key stakeholders, such as the business community, academia and international organizations seeking up-to-date information on existing AEO and MRA programmes, and other related programmes, as well as trends and innovations.
"The WCO Secretariat appreciates the information provided by its members and encourages them to contribute to a greater exchange of good practices and to strengthen cooperation between Customs and the private sector.", concludes the only international body specialized in customs matters.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
