Manual of Best Practices According to the AEO Benefits Survey Under Pillar 3 WCO SAFE Framework

Based on Pillar 3 of the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, this study administers a questionnaire from two aspects. The first examines six possible ways for customs to cooperate with other government agencies (OGA), and the second examines eight types of Authorized Economic Operator Program (AEO) benefits. The survey shows that the areas where customs and OGA cooperate most are: (1) cross-border supply chain security mutual cooperation, (2) harmonizing the supply chain security control measures and security program requirements, and (3) the establishment, promotion and adoption of a single-window environment. The most common AEO benefit is the recognition of AEO standards in simplifying and reforming work.

Under the challenge of the rise of e-commerce and supply chain reorganization in international trade, this study suggests that customs should cooperate with OGA and can expand four best practices to promote AEO plans to achieve the goal of security and efficiency in the trade supply chain.