Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) Program Chief Collector Customs Conducted Awareness Session at FPCCI Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI

Karachi: Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, has apprised that the apex body has organized an
awareness session with senior officials of collectorate of customs exports and Port Qasim on authorized
economic operators (AEO) program and other pressing issues vis-à-vis exports

It is pertinent to note that the top customs officials that conducted the awareness session at the Federation
House, Karachi, consisted of Mr. Irfan Ur Rehman, Chief Collector of Customs Exports, briefed the
audience and was accompanied by top officials.

Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, informed that in order to extend awareness among trade bodies
and stakeholders regarding authorized economic operator (AEO) program, Chief Collector of Customs
briefed the session participants regarding various aspects of AEO – issued vide SRO.1114 (I)/2020 dated
26-10-2020.

Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon discussed the merits of EFS system; but emphasized that the customs must
increase its check and balance regarding imports being made under EFS. Reportedly the provisions are
being misused causing damages to genuine exporters, he added.

Mr. Irfan Ur Rehman, Chief Collector of Customs Exports, stated that, in the light of Section 212A of
Customs Act 1969, certain rules have been formulated to make AEO program internationally-aligned and
make it a success in export facilitation in Pakistan

Customs officials explained that salient features of the AEO program include: safe framework of the
standards; changing role of customs worldwide article 7.7 regarding trade facilitation measures for
authorized operators based on principles of trade facilitation; the program has benefits for trade and
government alike; criteria for eligibility of trade certification has been formulated; benefits for trade
bodies or stakeholders have been incorporated and important security requirements of the program are
maintained.

Mr. Asif Sakhi, VP FPCCI, maintained that the global trade has shifted from GATT to WCO and AEO
Program – and it is basically based on strengthening supply chain security of trade. He appreciated that
minimum ceiling standards to qualify for AEO program are being rationalized and last year these
standards were around $2.5 million approx.

Mr. Asif Inam, VP FPCCI, emphasized that AEO program needs awareness in trade bodies and
stakeholders; and, welcomed customs department’s keenness to brief the business, industry and trade
community regarding the benefits of the program.

Participants of the awareness session proposed that monetary limits for the inclusion in AEO program
should be reviewed and status of transit trade in the program should be introduced.