Authorized Economic Operator Programs
In the Islamic Countries:
Enhancing Customs-Traders Partnership
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Authority. Having a priori consultation with the Customs may also assist the applicant to
reduce mistakes during the application process and thus shorten the authorization timeline.
Jordan, Oman and Uganda have formalized processes where applicants consult with the
Customs Authority prior to application.
Success Factor 7- Awareness about the importance of private sector partnership
AEO programs are essentially voluntary and require continued cooperation between the
Customs Authority and private sector. Formal and informal consultations with the private
sector representatives in design and implementation of the AEO programs in OIC are thought
to increase the success of the operational programs.
Both the survey results and the case study analysis suggest that in all AEO programs within
OIC there is a heightened awareness about the critical nature of the Customs to business pillar
of the WCO SAFE Framework.
Success Factor 8- Client Relations Management
Client Relations Management that is used by a number of OIC AEO programs increases the
attractiveness and the viability of the AEO programs. The idea and application of having a
designated expert in the Customs Authority to answer the questions of AEO holders is very
effective as it reduces the unnecessary and fruitless endeavors of the companies in Customs
matters and increases the sense of belonging to the program.
Both Jordan and Uganda employ client relations managers to guide and engage the current and
prospective AEO holders.
Success Factor 9- Providing wide coverage of offices to reduce centralization in handling
applications
Reducing centralization in handling applications encourages potential applicants to join the
AEO program. This is due to the fact that several offices can work in parallel to speed up the
application process. As it was mentioned before, in Japan, there are 9 regional offices that can
provide operators with authorizations. In the EU, 127 central and regional offices operate in
the 28 member countries. In the case of Canada, there is a clear division of tasks between
regional and field offices and the headquarters responsible for the AEO program.
Success Factor 10- Working on the continuous development of the AEO program
This includes, above all, the adoption of innovative solutions to increase efficiency of the
program. The “paperless model” to be completed by the EU in the next few years is expected
not only to simplify application and membership, but also enhance risk management by
operators. In the case of the EU, full AEOs manage Customs processes; security and safety
processes; internal and any outsourced operational processes. In such cases, the paperless
framework would help with a more efficient monitoring and follow-up of all areas of
compliance, while reducing the risk of losses and errors. Application to the Partners in
Protection has also been simplified with the launch of the Trusted Traders Online Portal in
Canada and the possibility to upload all documents on an e-profile.