Authorized Economic Operators
In the Islamic Countries:
Enhancing Customs-Traders Partnership
20
Figure 2.5. Transition in the Number of AEOs in Japan 2
Source: Constructed by the authors using the Japanese AEOs website.
Application, Verification and the Authorization Process
The AEO criteria used in Japan are in line with the SAFE framework. This includes four main
elements:
 “Appropriate compliance records”: this incorporates proper records of Customs and
trade related compliance without any violation against Customs Act.
 “Capability to use e-system for Customs procedures”: especially the “Nippon
Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System (NACCS)”.
 “Capability to conduct related operation properly”: this criterion refers to the ability to
securely control cargoes and implement Customs procedures properly, such as
financial integrity.
 “Establishment of a Compliance Program (CP)”: all operators should establish this
program and be able to maintain its operation with enforced and transparent security
standards.
CP must include:
(i) an organizational setup (guaranteeing the proper operation of the CP),
(ii) contracting parties requirements (ensuring the proper operation of business
partners)
(iii) cargo/conveyance/premises/personnel security (ensuring the proper tracking of
cargoes and routes and using locking devices, fencing and lighting, setup of video
surveillance cameras, periodic patrolling and introducing employee identification
procedures)
2 The number of operators in the Japanese AEOs web site is not compatible with WCO (2018).
1 7
100
206 233 239 242 238 236 237 240 240 241
46
55
73
73 79 80 87 88 91 91 91 96
20
55
74 87 97 103 113 118 125 127 132
8
21
31
47
68 79 95
119 144
187
1
3
3
5
7
8
8
7
7
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Exporter Importer Warehouse operator Customs Broker Logistic Operator