FACILITATING INTRA-OIC TRADE:
Improving the Efficiency of the Customs Procedures in the OIC Member States
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Business 2014, in addition to the continuous reforms, Benin introduced electronic
Single Window in 2012 which reduced the complexities and time for document
preparation. The report also underlined that as a result of these reforms, time to import
is reduced from 32 days in 2011 to 27 days in 2013 (See Figure 8 below).
Figure 8: Time to Import in Benin
Source: Doing Business 2014
3.1.8. Authorized Economic Operators (AEO)
Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programs are not so common in the OIC
Member States. However the number of Member States applying the program increases
in the recent years. For example Turkey started the program in 2013.
Currently, Member States such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, UAE,
Turkey, Tunisia, Senegal, Uganda and Jordan are implementing such kind of programs.
In general, countries that are developing AEO programmes study the WCO SAFE
Framework and the experience of countries that have established the programmes
(Polner 2010). In this context, there is an important opportunity for the Member States
for experience sharing in this area.
The AEO programmes being implemented in the Member States have similar
characteristics. But some of them have different names such as Golden List in Jordan,
Major Customers Program in Egypt. The AEO programs have several benefits including
minimum procedures, priorities in control, local clearance, deferred payments etc. The
benefits provided to the AEO certificate or card holders vary according to the program
of each country.
Turkish AEO program, which has entered into force in January 2013 lists the eligible
companies to apply the program as the following:
 are reliable,
 have adequate traceable documentation,