To align with global standards, Shanghai announced plans to enhance its support for companies with Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status. The plans were unveiled at a municipal executive meeting on Jan 4.

The meeting, presided over by Mayor Gong Zheng, endorsed measures to promote the high-quality development of AEO-certified enterprises in the city.

The AEO system, initiated by the World Customs Organization, streamlines customs clearance for trade firms demonstrating high levels of law compliance, credit status, and safety.

Shanghai aims to attract and nurture more AEO-certified enterprises, with a specific focus on optimizing customs clearance service. The city is poised to enhance convenience in crucial areas such as finance, tax and logistics. Furthermore, it will pilot substantive measures to streamline and facilitate the customs clearance.

As of November 2023, the General Administration of Customs had identified 500 AEO-certified enterprises in Shanghai.

China has mutual AEO agreements with 26 economies, covering 52 countries and regions, with 35 actively participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. China leads the world in both the number of agreements and the breadth of countries and regions involved.