What is an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme?

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) is a concept introduced by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in line with the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards (SAFE FoS) to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.

AEO involved parties dealing with international trade that have been recognized by the world customs administration which fulfil the security supply chain under SAFE FoS and other related international standard.

AEO programmes in Malaysia offers to manufacturer, importer, exporter, warehouse operator and logistic service provider.

What are the benefits of AEO?

2.1  Manufacturers, Importers and Exporters :

  • Declaration with minimal data;
  • Automatic approval of self-assessed declarations of import, export and transit;
  • Deferred payment of duty / tax;
  • Licensed Manufacturing Warehouse Company (LMW) is not obliged to submit monthly Statement on Raw Materials Movement (M1) and Statement of Finished Goods (M2). Only need to be submitted if instructed;
  • Approval within three (3) working days for LMW facilities applications such as subcontract, disposal, duty / tax exemption, reimport & re-export etc;
  • Priority and simplified Claims For Refund / Drawback;
  • Preferential duty rates claim under the provisions of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by using Consolidated Statement (CS);
  • Use of AEO company or shipping seals for the transit of dutiable / taxable goods except critical goods;
  • Eligible to enjoy the facilities under the relevant Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA);
  • Dedicated Account Manager;
  • Use of the AEO logo;
  • Training and other benefits approved by the AEO Panel and Regulatory Agencies (OGA / PIA).

2.2 Customs Agent;

  • Consideration of renewal of licence once every five (5) years;
  • Priority representing AEO companies;
  • Expedited release of goods with minimal inspection;
  • Dedicated Account Manage;
  • Use of the AEO logo;
  • Training and other benefits approved by the AEO Panel and Regulatory Agencies (OGA / PIA);

2.3 Warehouse Operator;

  • Priority as a Warehouse Operator for AEO companies in the country;
  • Priority as a Warehouse Operator for AEO companies of MRA partner countries;
  • Dedicated Account Manage;
  • Use of the AEO logo;
  • Training and other benefits approved by the AEO Panel and Regulatory Agencies (OGA / PIA);

What are the application criteria for AEO?

3.1 General qualifying criteria:

  • Companies involved in importation, exportation and transit of goods;
  • Companies operating in Malaysia for at least three (3) years;
  • Has the security features of the supply chain;
  • High level of compliance with all legislation and other legal requirements;
  • No duties / taxes arrears with RMCD and other agencies.

3.2 Specific qualifying criteria:

Manufacturers, Importers and Exporters

  • Registered under the Companies Act 1965 or other laws in Malaysia;
  • Ability to pay duties / taxes electronically.

Customs Agent

  • Registered under the Companies Act 1965 or other laws in Malaysia;
  • Licensed under Section 90 of the Customs Act 1967;
  • Ability to make declaration import / export / movement and pay duties / taxes electronically;
  • Member of any registered Customs Agents Association;
  • Quality customs declaration for the last three (3) years;

Warehouse Operator

  • Registered under the Companies Act 1965 or other laws in Malaysia;
  • Licensed under Section 65 of the Customs Act 1967.

What are the application documents for AEO?

i.       Official letter of application;

ii.      AEO Application Form (*Attachment 1);

iii.     Company Profile;

iv.     Copy of company registration certificate issued by Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) or other authorized agency;

v.      A copy of Teras Form (formerly known as Form 24 and Form 49) of SSM or Sabah & Sarawak Local Authority;

vi.     Completed Compliance Checklist (*Attachment 2) and related supporting documents;

vii.    Name of the designated person to liaise with RMCD;

viii.  List of the appointed Customs agents to represent the company (for the scope of manufacturers, importers, exporters and warehouse operators);

ix.    Copies of certificates or any recognition received such as ISO 28000 certificate, Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) certificate (if any);

x.      Copies of permits, licenses, certificate of approval or documents of other facilities issued by RMCD or other agencies (if any);

xi.     The last three (3) years copies of the financial statements certified by the external auditor;

xii.    List of AEO import, export and goods in transit (*Attachment 4);

xiii.   List of clients (for the Customs Agents and Warehouse Operators scopes).

4.2         Application must be submitted to the State AEO Unit.

4.3         Attachments can be downloaded from AEO portal. (http://customsgc.gov.my)