On 24 August the World Customs Organisation (WCO) published two guidance documents in support of the implementation of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes and their complementary Mutual Recognition Arrangements/Agreements (MRAs) in a more effective and harmonised manner globally: the Customs AEO Validator Guide and the MRA Strategy Guide.
The Customs AEO Validator Guide is primarily intended to build capacities in Customs administrations with regard to the AEO validation process, in particular the validation of security-related provisions and management policies. The Guide can also be useful to the private sector in better understanding and preparing for AEO validation, thus contributing to more transparency and predictability in the AEO certification process, leading, in time, to a greater trust between Customs and economic operators. It is also expected that the Guide will contribute towards bringing harmonisation to AEO programmes around the world, thus facilitating the negotiation of MRAs.
The MRA Strategy Guide is aimed at assisting Customs administrations with the development of MRAs, including the negotiation and implementation thereof. The Guide takes a comprehensive strategic approach to MRAs, laying down a clear vision and roadmap with a set of activities to be undertaken to reach the pre-defined goals in terms of planning, negotiating and implementing MRAs with partner Customs administrations. It sets out some of the key enablers that are required for the successful negotiation and implementation of MRAs, and includes working examples and best practices. In addition, the Guide recommends a regional or plurilateral approach to MRAs as the way forward. This approach would potentially reduce or even eliminate the need to negotiate and implement bilateral MRAs and the associated administrative costs required in such a process.
Besides developing guidance, the WCO also provides direct technical assistance to support its members and their stakeholders in their effort to strengthen the security of the international trade supply chain while ensuring maximum facilitation for legitimate goods flowing across borders.