Authorized Economic Operators
In the Islamic Countries:
Enhancing Customs-Traders Partnership
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mutual recognition with other trading blocs, a move which will lead to EAC AEOs enjoying
more benefits when trading outside EAC region.
4.3.2. Benefits of the AEO Program
The aim of the Uganda AEO program is enhancing voluntary compliance with Customs laws,
regulations and procedures, promoting secure international trade supply chains as well as
Customs to business partnership, enhancing trade facilitation by embracing best practices
while performing the roles and functions of Customs.
In this respect, the expected benefits of the AEO program of Uganda are as follows:
4.3.2.1. Safety and Security
Government Perspective
 Optimal use of government resources through channeling of the Customs resources to
high-risk shipments
 More secure border transactions and transit trade
 Achieving self-assessment of the supply-chain companies by introducing them to and
promoting voluntary compliance with Customs laws
 Keeping compliance records on each of the AEOs for eventual assessment of their
performance at the appropriate time
 Addressing risks through post importation audit
 Reducing informality
Private Sector Perspective
 Improvement in safety and security procedures through AEO requirements
 Improved Business-Customs relationships
4.3.2.2. Trade Facilitation
Government Perspective
 Time saving transactions-processing
 Allocating less personnel and resources for license renewal and competence test
procedures
 Improved Business-Customs relationships
Private Sector Perspective
 Extension of the license to operate as a clearing agent for three years
 Exemption from competence tests
 Choice of place of physical examination of cargo
 Priority treatment at all times when dealing with Customs such as free access to
otherwise restricted Customs areas through the use of a badge
 Local clearance
 Self-management of bonded warehouse
 Withholding tax exemption status
 Blue lane