WCO approves China’s first draft of AEO mutual recognition guideline

Updated: November 6, 2017 Source: Belt and Road Portal
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The implementation guideline of mutual recognition for authorized economic operators (AEO) of the World Customs Organization (WCO), drafted by China Customs, was recently approved by the WCO, according to the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

AEO has been introduced by the WCO to provide greater convenience in customs clearance processes to enterprises which are recognized by customs as law-abiding, reliable and credible. Customs officials from different countries can provide other countries' enterprises with more efficient customs clearance eservices through taking part in the mutual recognition of AEO programs.

AEO refers to "a party involved in the international movement of goods in whatever function that has been approved by or on behalf of a national Customs administration as complying with WCO or equivalent supply chain security standards. Authorized Economic Operators include inter alia manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, consolidators, intermediaries, ports, airports, terminal operators, integrated operators, warehouses and distributors", according to WCO.

Zhang Guangzhi, spokesperson of GACC, said that the WCO thinks the document drafted by China Customs effectively clarifies the general requirements of every link in the international mutual recognition of AEO, and has wide applicability and operability.

"This is the first time that China Customs has sketched out international rules in the field of AEO, and will have a positive influence on improving China Customs' right to a say in the world," Zhang added.

China Customs has signed AEO mutual recognition agreements with 33 countries and regions, lowering the inspection rate of China’s AEO enterprises in these customs areas by 60 to 80 percent, saving time and costs by over 50 percent.


Editor: zhangjunmian