New Customs facilitation measures

New Customs procedures providing reliable traders with enhanced facilitation measures related to customs procedures and supply-chain security will soon be introduced by the Customs Authorities in all EU member states.

These facilitation measures will be implemented through the issuing of what will be known as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certificate, which will be obtainable from the Customs authorities should the economic operator meet the required criteria relating to the operators' control systems, financial solvency and compliance record.

AEO status granted by one member state will be recognised by all EU customs authorities.

It is in the interest of Maltese firms engaged in export and import business with third countries to make use of AEO status. In practical terms, AEO certification will bring additional benefits to companies who will be able to use the AEO certification as a European quality label identifying a safe and reliable business partner for intra-community as well as international business transactions.

Negotiations are underway to ensure that AEO accreditation will also be recognised by third countries, in particular major markets such as the US, Canada, China and Japan, where it will carry the equivalent customs significance for shipments clearance purposes.

The Malta Business Bureau - the EU office of the FOI, CoCE and MHRA - will be organising an information seminar on AEO certification in conjunction with the Department of Customs on Thursday, October 4. To register or obtain a copy of the seminar programme, contact the MBB Malta office on tel. 2125-1719 or 2122-4415 or e-mail: info@mbb.org.mt.