Logistics, Security and Compliance: The Part to Be Played by Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) and Data Management

Abstract

Enhanced security, compliance and logistics management in both the private and public sectors (including Customs) is dependent on accurate, comprehensive data from trusted, compliant companies. Rather than building our international trade supply chain procedures on outdated paper-based systems and principles, developments in private sector technology and regulatory data requirements, such as the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT), United Nations electronic Trade Documents (UNeDocs), and the World Customs Organization (WCO) Data Sets, are steering us towards a Cross Border Data Reference Model that will drive a Master Document and an Internet-based seamless data pipeline. This requires a re-think of our traditional way of managing the customs business and takes the Framework of Standards and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) concept to new heights of private, public partnerships, thereby removing the need for extra layers of border management bureaucracy and replacing them with new and exciting models for integrated border management.