Authorized Economic Operators
In the Islamic Countries:
Enhancing Customs-Traders Partnership
52
programs are open to manufacturers. Port/Terminal operators are represented in only 13
percent of the surveyed AEO programs.
Rather low levels of convergence in terms of Theme 1 may be caused by different priorities in
each OIC member from a security standpoint. Having all types of operators may be deemed as
inconvenient for security reasons; however, for the operators to benefit from the AEO
programs to their full extent, it is important to involve the entire supply chain in the program
as in the EU case.
Theme 2: Application, verification and authorization
As a result of the analysis of sub-variables in the application, verification and authorization
theme, important findings emerge.
Firstly, there is 100 percent convergence in terms of all sub-variables of self-assessment
procedures across the OIC AEO programs. In other words, in the framework of these
programs, (i) all applicants submit accounting information; (ii) all Customs provide self-
assessment checklists for operators and (iii) all Customs examine the self-assessment during
validation (Figure 3.10).
Figure 3.10. Self-assessment procedures
Source: Authors’ compilation using survey data.
Secondly, there is again 100 percent convergence in terms of all but two sub-variables of
application, verification and authorization procedures across OIC AEO programs. Total
convergence for this variable is quite high (88 percent). There is a formal application, review
of security procedures, onsite validation/verification audits, comprehensive compliance
assessment as well as company background and operating environment checks in all programs
(Figures 3.11).
100%
100%
100%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Operator-Submitted Accounting Information
Customs Provided Self-Assessment Checklists for
Operators
Customs Examination of Self-Assessment during
Validation