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4. COUNTRY CASE STUDIES
In the scope of this study, three countries are visited, namely Jordan, Turkey and Uganda to
gather extensive information regarding AEO design and implementation experiences. Annex V
and VI present the interview questions designed for the private sector and the government,
respectively.
4.1. The AEO CASE STUDY of JORDAN
4.1.1. Evolution of the AEO Program
4.1.1.1. Background
Jordan Customs initiated an authorized economic operators program, known as the Golden
List (GL) program in 2005. The program was designed and implemented under the supervision
of the Risk Management Department of the Jordan Customs.
The GL program grants preferential treatment to companies that exhibit a low degree of risk
and an excellent compliance history in Customs. The program is based on voluntary
compliance by supply chain companies to Jordanian regulations and legislations as well as
international security requirements.
The GL program was launched in 2005 with the aim of supporting the national economy,
increasing the level of safety for supply chain companies, encouraging investment and
complying with the WCO standards to secure and facilitate global trade.
The Customs dealings of the Jordanian companies were mainly based on the concepts of audit
and selectivity in 1998-2005 period during which firms with no Customs Law violations and
correct value declarations were given privileges in their dealings with the Customs.
In the pre-2000 period, the risk assessment of the companies was based on manual
declarations and the related Customs managers’ prerogative. However, in year 2000, the
Jordan Customs adopted a system of electronic declarations based on real time information
about traders. Coupled with the foundation of the Risk Assessment Directorate in 2004, there
have been great strides in terms of objectivity of Customs risk assessment process in Jordan.
4.1.1.2. AEO Design
The very first step of the GL design of Jordan can be traced back to September 2003 when
Jordan Customs and USAID agreed to design an AEO program. In other words, Jordan
leveraged donor assistance to develop its GL program and succeeded in achieving recognition
from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The WCO SAFE Framework Standards, which were developed simultaneously, were integrated
to the program. The design of the GL program in terms of compliance has benefited from the
EU’s program as a benchmark. A field visit to the Netherlands and technical support from Italy
were utilized to develop and implement the GL program.