The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) held the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Certificate Presentation Ceremony cum Joint Seminar on AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) between the Mainland and Hong Kong Customs today (January 13). The event was well received by the industry, with more than 130 participants including representatives of Hong Kong AEO companies, trade associations and local enterprises.
A total of 10 companies were awarded with Hong Kong AEO certificates at the ceremony as a recognition of their compliance with the accreditation criteria under the Hong Kong AEO Programme.
After the presentation ceremony, the C&ED introduced to the industry the latest developments of the Hong Kong AEO Programme and the implementation of MRAs. Participants were also briefed on procedures to enjoy the facilitation benefits under MRAs with other administrations.
To further enhance participants' understanding of the Mainland's operations, Mainland Customs was invited to talk on its "Interim Measures for Enterprise Credit Management by the Customs Administration of the People's Republic of China", which was officially launched in December 2014.
The Hong Kong AEO Programme was launched by the C&ED in April 2012. Up till now 25 companies have been accredited as AEOs, which can enjoy clearance facilitation granted under the Programme such as reduced examination and prioritised clearance. In addition to Mainland Customs, the C&ED has entered into MRAs with India, Korea and Singapore Customs. Hong Kong AEOs will enjoy additional mutual recognition benefits for their exported goods to these four areas.
On the way forward, the C&ED will endeavour to sign MRAs with other economies so as to bring more benefits to the industry. Details of the Hong Kong AEO Programme are available at www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/trade-facilitation/aeo/index.html.
Ends/Tuesday, January 13, 2015
