WCO SAFE Framework of Standards
WCO global normative framework for securing and facilitating trade, including the AEO concept.
WCO SAFE Framework of Standards
The SAFE Framework (SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade) is a set of standards developed by the WCO to secure global trade against terrorism and cross-border crime while facilitating trade for trusted operators.
The four pillars
- Pillar 1 — Customs-Customs: exchange of information between customs administrations, mutual recognition of controls and coordination of operations
- Pillar 2 — Customs-Business: partnership with the private sector via the concept of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO/AEO)
- Pillar 3 — Customs-Other administrations: interagency cooperation within the same country
- Pillar 4 — Customs-Consumer: added to meet the challenges of e-commerce
Global AEO Concept
The SAFE Framework is the origin of the AEO concept, taken up by the EU (AEO status), the United States (C-TPAT), Japan (AEO), China (AEO) and more than 90 countries around the world.
Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)
The SAFE Framework encourages MRAs between countries so that AEO certified operators in one country benefit from facilitations in partner countries.
Importance
The SAFE Framework is the foundation of the global trade security-facilitation architecture. Understanding it is essential to understanding AEO programs and supply chain security requirements.