The 5th World Customs Organization (WCO) Global Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Conference is taking place May 25th – 27th online. It was originally scheduled to take place in March 2020 in Dubai.

The WCO Global AEO Conference is a global conference providing a unique opportunity to customs administrators, governments, business communities, policymakers, experts and other trade stakeholders to discuss and examine topics related to the security and facilitation of the global trade supply chain. The upcoming edition of the conference will be held in partnership with the Federal Customs Authority of the United Arab Emirates and Dubai Customs, supported by Korea Customs Service, with particular focus on extending the Authorized Economic Operator programme to include micro, small and medium enterprises in the digital economy.

At the time of the conference’s inaugural round in 2012, there were 45 AEO programmes and 30 MRAs under negotiation in the world. This number has increased to 97 AEO programmes in 2020, an increase of 115%, with 20 more under development. MRAs have similarly increased to 87 bilateral and 4 regional MRAs, with 78 MRAs under negotiation.

The 5th WCO Global AEO Conference will also address the successes and challenges of customs and the private sector in implementing AEO programmes. The event is expected to enhance cooperation and capacity, in order to foster a more effective and inclusive global public-private dialogue.

To learn more and to register, click here.