The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) will formally launch the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme tomorrow (April 2) following its successful pilot run which began in June 2010. The Programme is operating under an open and voluntary certification regime.
The Programme not only complies with the requirements stipulated under the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, but also fits the local trading environment.
As a Customs-to-Business initiative, the Programme welcomes the participation of all local companies engaged in international supply chain activities. Qualified companies will be accredited as AEOs to enjoy appropriate Customs facilitation upon meeting the pre-determined security standards. Customs accreditation is free of charge.
Last month, a series of briefing sessions were held for different parties including representatives of chambers of commerce, trade associations of the import/export and logistics industry. The C&ED received a positive response from the participants and the industries generally welcomed the formal implementation of Programme.
With a fully fledged AEO Programme in place, the C&ED will explore opportunities for developing mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs) with other Customs administrations. MRAs will further enhance the competitiveness of our AEOs with diversified benefits granted by the customs administrations of other economies. The implementation of this Programme manifests the C&ED's devotion to securing the international supply chain and its efforts to help strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international trading centre and regional logistics hub.
Details of the Hong Kong AEO Programme can be found at the website www.customs.gov.hk/en/trade_facilitation/aeo.
Ends/Sunday, April 1, 2012