NBR to execute AEO scheme by December 2018

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) will implement Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme, on pilot basis by December 2018, to accelerate release of goods from the ports.
Under the programme, the board will allow some trusted companies or entities as AEO, which will enjoy fast-track trade facilitation benefits.
As a signatory to World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, it is now mandatory for Bangladesh to implement the AEO programme.
Internal Resources Division Senior Secretary and NBR Chairman Md. Nojibur Rahman highlighted the plan of starting the pilot programme. He was speaking as the chief guest in the inaugural ceremony of National AEO Validation Workshop, organised at a city hotel on Wednesday with the support of Asian Development Bank (ADB).
About 20 AEO officers, validators and account managers took part in the workshop, facilitated by two experts from the Netherlands.
ADB Portfolio Management Expert Firoz Ahmed and WTO-accredited Technical and Operational Adviser on AEO Mohammad Ehteshamul Hoque spoke on the occasion, while Member (Customs Modernization) Khondaker Muhammad Aminur Rahman was in the chair.
Ehteshamul Hoque said customs authority decided to implement AEO programme in the country as early as in 2013. But due to many unforeseen issues, it could not implement the programme. However, after ratifying the WTO trade facilitation agreement, this is now mandatory.
"We have already had a number of consultation sessions for the stakeholders. Our private sector has also showed interest in the programme. Now, we need to come up with AEO criteria as well as benefits we are going to offer."
Before that, customs officials need to understand the procedures, especially AEO application, validation and audit procedures. The workshop will help to provide a clear idea on various AEO-related issues, he added.
AEOs are companies or entities accredited and certified by the customs authority that enjoy certain trade facilitation benefits from the government. These benefits might include fast-track release of goods from the ports, reduced rate of inspections, nominal bank guarantee submission, deferred payment, and special and elevated status than other importers, exporters, transporters and brokers. In return, the companies need to invest in supply chain security, comply with specific customs requirements, and have track record that establish themselves trustworthy to the government agencies concerned.
They need to have satisfactory system for management of commercial records, financial viability, security for cargo, conveyance, premises, and trade partners and also have crisis management and incident recovery system.

[email protected]