Authorized Economic Operator Programs
In the Islamic Countries:
Enhancing Customs-Traders Partnership
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8. “Conveyance Security: Customs and AEOs shall jointly work toward the establishment
of effective control regimes, where not already provided for by other national or
international regulatory mandate, to ensure that transport conveyances are capable of
being effectively secured and maintained.”
9. “Premises Security: Customs, after taking into account the views of AEOs and their
necessary compliance with mandatory international standards, shall establish the
requirements for the implementation of meaningful Customs- specific security
enhancement protocols that secure buildings, as well as ensure the monitoring and
controlling of exterior and interior perimeters.”
10. “Personnel Security: Customs and AEOs shall, based on their authorities and
competencies, screen the background of prospective employees to the extent legally
possible. In addition, they shall prohibit unauthorized access to facilities, transport
conveyances, loading docks and cargo areas that may reasonably affect the security of
those areas in the supply chain under their responsibility.”
11. “Trading Partner Security: Customs shall establish AEO requirements and mechanisms
whereby the security of the global supply chain can be bolstered through the
commitment of trading partners to voluntarily increase their security measures.”
12. “Crisis Management and Incident Recovery: In order to minimize the impact of a
disaster or terrorist incident, crisis management and recovery procedures should
include advance planning and establishment of processes to operate in such
extraordinary circumstances.”
13. “Measurement, Analyses and Improvement: The AEO and Customs should plan and
implement monitoring, measurement, analysis and improvement processes in order
to:
a. assess consistency with these guidelines;
b. ensure integrity and adequacy of the security management system;
c. identify potential areas for improving the security management system in
order to enhance supply chain security. “
In essence, the key characteristic of implementing a successful AEO program crucially depends
on the collaboration established on both national and international levels between Customs
and private sector to create a secure supply chain while preventing terrorism and enabling
faster physical trade of goods internationally.
1.3. Benefits of AEOs to Trade Facilitation and Supply Chain Security
AEO programs provide interrelated benefits at the national, Customs and businesses level.
National Level
Through the use of AEO programs countries can enjoy the following benefits:
 Facilitation of legal trade and increased effectiveness in fighting against illegal trade
 Increase in the country's international competitiveness
 Becoming more attractive for foreign investments
 Recognition as a country where foreign trade is fast and easy
 More preference as a trade partner in international markets