Rwanda Revenue Authority is calling different business operators to apply for Authorized Economic Operator (AEO).
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme is provided to different business operators, mainly: importers, exporters, customs agents, warehouse operators, or any other person involved in the international movement of goods and has been approved by the Customs administration as complying with the World Customs Organization (WCO) supply chain security standards.
The AEO program is derived from the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards. The SAFE Framework was adopted by the Directors General of Customs representing the members of the WCO at the June 2005 annual Council Sessions in Brussels. In June 2015, the WCO Council adopted the updated edition of the SAFE Framework 2015.
Objectives of Authorized Economic Operator Programme
The introduction of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program aims to fundamentally change the relationship between businesses and the Customs Administrations by implementing preferential treatment to those businesses that are established to be compliant through a structured assessment of risk (authorization). The AEOs shall benefit from simplification of procedures and/or facilitation with regard to Customs controls, including those related to security and safety throughout the EAC Region.
The 21st century has been characterized by globalization of trade, tremendous growth in volumes of imports and exports within the East African region. Customs is faced with an ever increasing demand for faster clearance and fewer trade bottlenecks against a need for proper control, providing increased security to the global supply chain and contributing to socio-economic development through revenue collection.
The introduction of an AEO program aims to fundamentally change the relationship between businesses and the Customs Administrations by implementing preferential treatment to those businesses that are established to be compliant through a structured assessment of risk (authorisation). The AEOs shall benefit from simplification of procedures and/or facilitation with regard to Customs controls, including those related to security and safety throughout the EAC Region.
Eligible applicants for Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)
Any economic operator that is established in at least one of the EAC PS, involved in the international supply chain and carries out Customs related activity in the EAC can apply for the Regional AEO authorization irrespective of the size of the business.
These eligible operators include:
1) Exporters;
2) Importers;
3) Freight forwarders;
4) Customs Agents;
5) Bonded warehouse owners;
6) Manufacturers;
7) Transporters;
8) Terminal operators
A person may apply for authorization under one or more of these client categories. If the application for authorization is approved, authorization will relate to the specific client categories that the client has qualified for.
FOR MORE DETAILS, CALL: 0788614120/0784255824
