Page 179 - "Green Investments and financial technologies: opportunities and challenges for Uzbekistan" International Scientific and Practical Conference

“Yashil investitsiyalar va moliyaviy texnologiyalar: O‘zbekiston uchun imkoniyatlar va muammolar” mavzusida xalqaro
ilmiy-amaliy anjuman materiallari to‘plami (Toshkent, JIDU, 2025-yil 7-may)

exporters, carriers, freight consolidators, customs brokers, and manufacturers to
demonstrate their commitment to securing the trade supply chain. As of 2023, C-
TPAT has over 11,400 certified partners, encompassing more than 52% of imports
into the U.S. by value. Participants must undergo a rigorous vetting process,
including a supply chain risk assessment and the implementation of security
measures that align with CBP’s Minimum Security Criteria (MSC).

C-TPAT membership provides tangible benefits to companies, such as reduced
inspections, expedited border clearance through programs like FAST (Free and
Secure Trade), and assignment of a CBP Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS).
Additionally, companies that achieve Tier III status—the highest level—receive the
most extensive benefits, including front-of-line privileges during inspections and
exemption from certain validations. Importantly, C-TPAT has established Mutual
Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with numerous international partners, including
the European Union, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea, ensuring reciprocal
treatment and reducing redundancies for companies engaged in cross-border trade.
This global network of recognition significantly enhances the efficiency and security
of international logistics operations.

European Union: Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program

The European Union's AEO program, officially launched in 2008 under
Regulation (EC) No 648/2005 and now fully embedded in the Union Customs Code
(UCC), represents one of the most comprehensive and structured AEO systems
globally. Managed by the customs authorities of the 27 EU Member States, this
program offers businesses that meet strict customs compliance, record-keeping
standards, and financial solvency requirements the opportunity to be recognized as
reliable trading partners. The AEO status is granted in three categories: AEO-C for
customs simplifications, AEO-S for security and safety, and AEO-F which combines
both. As of 2023, more than 17,000 AEO certificates have been issued across the
EU, with Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy leading in the number of certified
operators.

The benefits of obtaining AEO status within the EU include fewer physical and
document-based controls, priority treatment if selected for customs checks,
simplified customs procedures, and mutual recognition with third countries. AEOs
also experience reduced data requirements for entry and exit summary declarations
and faster processing through customs clearance. Importantly, the EU has signed
Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with key global economies including the
United States, China, Japan, and Norway. These agreements aim to reduce
redundancy in security procedures and recognize AEO status across jurisdictions,
thus streamlining global trade. The EU's centralized AEO database ensures
transparency and access to status verifications by customs officials across the Union,

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