Section IV: Advantages of the ARM proposed by the EU to AEO programme partners (and vice versa)

The EU offers its AEO partners the following advantages. The current mutual recognition decisions do not contemplate all these advantages; However, the EU intends to update these decisions to include them. The specific benefits are outlined in individual agreements.

• Reduction in the number of controls related to protection and security: In order to reduce inspections or controls, each customs authority favorably considers the Program membership status granted by the other customs authority in its risk assessments, as well as in other measures related to safety and security.

• Recognition of business partners during the application process: Each customs authority takes into account the Program membership status granted by the other customs authority, in order to treat the Program member as a secure and reliable partner, when assessing the requirements applicable to trading partners in the case of applicants within its own Program.

• Priority treatment in customs clearance: Each customs authority takes into account the Program membership status granted by the other customs authority when granting the Program member priority treatment, an expedited procedure, simplified formalities, and expedited release of goods.

• Business continuity mechanism: Both parties are working to establish a joint mechanism that, in the event of trade flow disruptions due to heightened security alert levels, border closures, natural disasters, hazardous emergencies, or other serious incidents, will allow customs authorities to ensure business continuity by facilitating and expediting priority shipments related to Program members, to the extent possible.

• Future advantages of ARM

Customs and trade authorities are working closely to identify and develop potential additional benefits for AEOs under mutual recognition, in order to enhance the program.