Lack of Unique ID Standard Among Factors Limiting AEO
CANCUN, Mexico -- One limiting factor to expanding Authorized Economic Operator internationally is a lack of a unique identifier standard, said Al Gina, a consultant with CT Strategies and former assistant commissioner at CBP. Gina offered several pieces of advice to the World Customs Organization on how to improve and expand AEO programs during the WCO AEO conference on May 11. Identifying information for a program participant can differ from country to country, which can make it difficult to keep track of AEO status and compliance, he said.
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Another feature that could encourage AEO participation is a international registry of members, said Martin Rojas, senior advisor for the Americas, International Road Transport Union. It's also important for customs administrations to use efficiency metrics, said Gina. That can include several measures, such as the number of customs personnel to seizures, he said. Also increasingly important are information protection assurances, Gina said. Many companies are very cautious about sharing proprietary information and having very strong cybersecurity is a necessity for convincing many companies to join an AEO program. There's already some 69 AEO programs and 39 Mutual Recognition Arrangements, Gina said.