The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program is designed to enhance supply chain security and promote trade facilitation. It aims to ensure that businesses involved in international trade meet certain security criteria and comply with customs regulations. The program includes a rigorous application process, which involves thorough background checks, audits, and assessments of a company's security measures and compliance procedures. This helps to ensure that only reliable and trustworthy businesses are granted AEO status. It is a trust-based program between customs and businesses.
The AEO Program being designed by the Maldives Customs Service (MCS) consists of 3 tiers, namely: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Facilitation level varies at different tiers, where Gold and Platinum Tiers will have highest level of facilitation, including cargo inspection at premises and establishment of Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with other countries. To facilitate inspections at trader’s premises or warehouses, MCS will make sure those places have sufficient measures such as security cameras, excess controls, separate boundary walls, cargo scanning facilities etc. Further to this, MRA will provide AEO acceptance and authorization in the countries where mutual agreements are established.
While the AEO program provides benefits and incentives to certified businesses, it also imposes strict requirements and ongoing monitoring to maintain the integrity of the program. MCS will regularly conduct audits and inspections to verify that AEOs continue to meet the program's standards. Additionally, AEOs are expected to maintain robust security measures and cooperate with customs in their efforts to secure the international supply chain. Therefore, after a rigorous application process, AEO will be granted to those companies with sufficient financial records, excellent compliance history with Customs, and adequate security measures at their premises.
The AEO Program was launched for enrollment on 29th January as one of our various trade facilitation related initiatives of the 14-Week Plan of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. In order to achieve this, Commissioner General Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed has expedited the AEO initiative to accommodate fast, secure and efficient process of Customs clearance.