Employers have pointed to limitations on the certificate extended by the Customs Office and doubt its efficiency as there is no certainty that it will be valid at the regional level.
The purpose of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status is to contribute in the implementation of safety guidelines in order to have a secure supply chain, but in El Salvador the certificate granted by the Directorate General of Customs has, in the opinion of local entrepreneurs, some limitations which hinders its optimal use. One of them is that the benefits only apply on the borders of El Salvador, without making any change to the market with the countries of Central America.
The first Central American Congress on AEOs will be held in Guatemala City on July 20, 2016, and will provide the option of virtual participation.
From a statement issued by Agexport:
The Authorized Economic Operator format (AEO) is an option for individuals or legal entities that meet international safety standards and rules, requirements and obligations under the current Customs Act and the Customs Service regulations.
Companies that are certified as AEOs are able to reduce paperwork and are given priority at customs offices.
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).
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.
The function of the AEO is to contribute to the implementation of safety guidelines of the World Customs Organization in order to have a secure supply chain.
From Wikipedia:
"The AEO certificate, issued by customs authorities in the EU and many other countries using the same or a similar name, is a trusted certificate which Customs offices give to traders who meet certain requirements which demonstrate to the customs offices their reliability regarding customs processes, solvency and safety. It is granted to operators involved in the chain of international trade, whether natural or legal persons, provided that the professional activity of these operators is subject to customs regulations, such as importers, exporters, manufacturers, representatives at customs offices, bearers, carriers , terminal operators, shippers etc.