WCO Incorporates AEO Provisions Into its SAFE Framework Document, To Hold Conference on Framework in December
The World Customs Organization has posted information to its Web site announcing that it has updated its Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework) to incorporate into its text detailed provisions concerning Authorized Economic Operators, which had initially been developed in a separate document.
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The WCO has also posted information on its upcoming conference on the SAFE Framework in December 2007 as well as a list of the 149 countries planning to implement the SAFE Framework.
(In June 2006, the WCO Council adopted guidelines for AEO programs which offer benefits for businesses that meet minimal supply chain security standards and best practices, as part of the SAFE Framework. CBP officials have previously compared AEOs to Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) participants, and industry sources have stated that AEO requirements are similar to those of C-TPAT.)
Consolidation to Provide Single Comprehensive Document
According to the WCO, since the June 2005 adoption of the SAFE Framework, work has progressed on modernizing and improving the document, principally by incorporating into its text detailed provisions concerning AEOs. The WCO states that both customs and WCO's business partners will benefit from having all SAFE and AEO provisions readily available in a single comprehensive instrument.
WCO to Review AEO Implementation, Mutual Recognition Concepts
The WCO, in conjunction with the Trusted Trade Alliance, will host a two-day event at WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium from December 11-12, 2007 which will undertake a critical implementation review of the WCO SAFE Framework.
The conference will bring together experts in global trade, supply chain security and international trade law to review progress on the implementation of the SAFE Framework two years after its adoption, with particular reference to the implementation of the AEO and mutual recognition concepts and their impact on business. Conference participants will get the most current information available on the European Union's AEO program, the U.S. C-TPAT program, and the efforts of other countries to develop and implement similar programs across the globe. Delegates will also be briefed on bilateral initiatives underway towards AEO and mutual recognition, and the obstacles that hinder speedier global implementation of these critical business benefits.
149 Countries Intend to Implement SAFE Framework
The WCO states that as of September 27, 2007, 149 countries have expressed their intention to implement the WCO SAFE Framework, including the U.S.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 08/30/06 news, 06083010, for the third part of a BP summary of the WCO's adoption of the AEO Guidelines, with links to previous parts.)
Updated WCO SAFE Framework (dated June 2007) available at http://www.wcoomd.org/files/1.%20Public%20files/PDFandDocuments/SAFE%20Framework_EN_2007_for_publication.pdf)
WCO SAFE Framework Conference information available at http://www.wcoomd.org/event_about_the_conference.htm