Economic Operator

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program is a voluntary initiative based on a culture of security and compliance by commercial entities that are committed to the internationally recognized security standards of the World Customs Organization (WCO), as outlined in the SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework).

The AEO Program was officially launched in the United Arab Emirates in October 2016, and the National Policy for the AEO Program was adopted to include the rules, procedures, and list of benefits in accordance with the SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade. As of the end of the first quarter of 2025, the number of companies accredited under the program in the UAE exceeds 133.

The General Administration of Customs and Port Security at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security oversees the management and coordination of the AEO Program in the United Arab Emirates. This is carried out through the National Committee for the AEO Program, with the membership of representatives from the local customs administrations.

The signing and implementation of Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) under the program is carried out by the General Administration of Customs and Port Security at the national level.

Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program for the GCC Countries:

The UAE’s AEO Program has been elevated to become a joint program among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The joint GCC program aims to enhance trade and economic cooperation among the GCC member states by facilitating and streamlining customs procedures.

The GCC AEO Program came into effect on January 1, 2023, and the Unified Guide for the GCC Authorized Economic Operator Program was issued.

Since its launch, the GCC AEO Program has grown to provide customs facilitations to 737 accredited companies across the GCC countries as of January 22, 2025.

Member states of the GCC AEO Program are entitled to conclude bilateral Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) for the AEO Program with external partners.

To view the unified guide, procedures, and related details:

• Unified Guide for the GCC Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) (attached in Arabic
• Application Form for Joining the GCC Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program (attached in Arabic)
• List of Benefits Granted to the GCC Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) in the GCC Countries (attached in Arabic)
• Regulations and Procedures for Filing a Grievance under the GCC Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) System (attachment in Arabic)

Entities actively engaged in the supply chain within the United Arab Emirates that meet the eligibility criteria may apply to the customs authority corresponding to the issuer of their trade license to obtain approval for joining the UAE Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program.

Eligibility Criteria for Applying to the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program:

A solid record of compliance with customs laws, regulations, and other relevant legal obligations:

Compliance with the required level of laws, regulations, and procedures for a period of no less than three (3) years.

-A record management system that enables the necessary internal control:

Implementation of procedures and measures that ensure the maintenance of records and internal control, in compliance with required standards including customs systems, procedures, and transport records.

Implementation of an approved accounting system and standards that enable customs control through tracking imported or exported goods and related operations.

Financial Solvency:

Demonstrating financial solvency by showing the timely settlement of duties, taxes, and all other dues without delay, as well as maintaining a sound financial position.

Implementation of the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.

Implementation of supply chain security and safety requirements, and a risk assessment system, in accordance with the SAFE standards.

Better understanding of the international supply chain.

Enhanced risk management.

Improved allocation of resources.

Facilitation of trade to achieve economic growth.

Expedited customs procedures.

Reduced operational costs.

Enhanced competitiveness through recognition of customs-authorized requirements.

Improved predictability of business operations.

Enhanced security and compliance.

Access to the benefits of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with countries worldwide.

National Benefits:

The United Arab Emirates grants additional national benefits and facilitations to ease customs procedures for members accredited under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program.

GCC Benefits:

Upon being granted GCC AEO status by the relevant customs authority in the member state, the company becomes eligible to receive a package of recognized and standardized facilitations across all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries.

Benefits of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for the Program with International Partners:

The list of mutual recognition benefits includes the following:

Reduced inspection rates for imported goods

Simplified verification of import-related documents

Expedited clearance of imported shipments

Dedicated liaison officers assigned to handle clearance-related matters for AEO-certified companies

AEO List Local

A Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) allows two countries to formally acknowledge and accept each other’s Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program standards, after verifying alignment in procedures and policies.

Upon agreement, both parties exchange lists of accredited operators, and grant the agreed-upon benefits during customs procedures as per the signed MRA.

Mutual Recognition Agreements for the AEO Program in the United Arab Emirates:

The UAE currently has active MRAs in effect with the following countries:

South Korea

China

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Bahrain

Kuwait

Oman

Qatar

Indonesia

India

And several other countries

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.aeo.ae

To learn about the Mutual Recognition Agreements for the UAE Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program and how they are implemented, please contact us at: AEO@uaecustoms.gov.ae

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.aeo.ae

To learn more about the Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) of the UAE Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program and their implementation, please contact us at: AEO@uaecustoms.gov.ae