The United States and the UK Conclude Arrangements to Strengthen End to End Supply Chain Security

CBP new release of January 21, 2021, announced that the US and UK have completed an arrangement to formally recognize reciprocal authorized economic operator programs.

Authorized economic operator (AEO) programs allow low-risk trade members who meet specific internationally recognized supply chain standard to benefit from trade facilitation benefits. Under the arrangement, US Customs and Border Protection will accept the validation of UK Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) granting those participants approval status into Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT). Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs will likewise accept the validation of CTPAT members and grant them approval status as AEOs.

CTPAT is the United States’ voluntary, public-private partnership in which the trade community cooperates with CBP to strengthen their supply chain, identify security gaps and implement security measures and best practices. CTPAT members enjoy benefits including risk mitigation and shorter wait times at the US borders. There are currently 11,400 certified partners throughout the trade community. For more information on CTPAT, please visit CBP.gov.

AEO status is an internationally recognized quality mark that indicates a business’ role in the international supply chain is secure and has customs control procedures in place that meet international standards and criteria. For more information about AEO status please visit GOV.uk.

Crane Trade Services can assist you with questions regarding drawback. For assistance, please contact CWTSConsulting@craneww.com.