Like Costa Rica and Guatemala, Panama is now using the AEO program. Companies interested in obtaining certification should contact the National Customs Authority.

From a statement issued by the Presidency of Panama:

A program to certify private sector companies dedicated to foreign trade and which is regulated by customs rules was launched on Wednesday by the Government of the Republic of Panama, through the National Customs Authority (ANA).

The Authorized Economic Operator (OEA) tool, according to Jose Gomez, director of the ANA, is aimed at companies who implement preventive and security measures to protect their logistics chain.

More on this topic

Panama: Streamlining of Customs Procedures

January 2017

The three local companies that were certified as AEOs will have priority in customs and will be able to carry out processes in less time and at less cost.

From a statement issued by presidency of Panama:

Three local companies were today certified as Authorized Economic Operators (AEO), a tool which facilitates international trade, by helping to maintain a reliable security standard and through which the Logistics Office of the Government of the Republic is fulfilling its commitment to support the private sector.

AEO in Guatemala

January 2015

Companies which are certified as Authorized Economic Operators will be able to reduce paperwork times and have priority at customs.

In order to access this certification interested companies must be up to date with tax and customs payments, tax requirements, and review legal and administrative processes, industrial safety and human resources.

Customs: Authorized Economic Operator Nicaragua

October 2014

An announcement has been made that the program which certifies businesses and streamlines customs procedures could be implemented in 2015.

AEO certification, which is not mandatory, which helps exporters and importers carry out processes for their products at customs posts, and is an initiative promoted by the World Customs Organization.

Customs: Authorized Economic Operator in El Salvador

October 2014

An announcement has been made of the launch of a pilot scheme for certifying companies as AEO in order to expedite processes at customs offices.

From a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance of El Salvador:

The Ministry of Finance through the Directorate General of Customs, has presented the progress made in AEO in El Salvador, which incorporates best practices customs offices from around the world.