Maersk: How Costa Rica's AEO Boosts Supply Chain Resilience

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) in Costa Rica is strengthening supply chain security and resilience.

The certification is working to mitigate risk and encourage company growth across international markets.

In a recent report, Maersk explores why the AEO is a beneficial to supply chains and trade within Costa Rica.

Building resilience

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification is a voluntary program which creates an alliance between customs authorities and the private sector. It acts as an incentive to companies, as the volunteers who join and comply will receive added benefits to support their operations. It recognises participants as trusted partners within a logistics chain.

The AEO encourages trading partners to comply with requirements established by the General Directorate of Customs, aiding with operational traceability, supply chain compliance and security within the chain.

Through the programme, the logistics chain will be made more resilient, as the companies are using proper controls and working alongside authorities with risk prevention strategies. It helps these companies continuously improve their operational efficiency and reliability, as they are keeping up to date with changing policies and receiving benefits which actively help their logistics and customs operations in return.

“The Authorized Economic Operator goes beyond a certification: it represents a culture of excellence, compliance and trust, where every process and every individual contribute to strengthening the security and the efficiency of the logistics chain," emphasises Luisa Fernanda Hernandez Romero.

Certification rewards

By taking part in this certification, companies strengthen their reputation as a trusted partner which meets regulations and avoids risks. Moreover, they will see the reduction of time spent in customs, optimise costs and increase competitiveness.

Benefits awarded to the AEO companies in Costa Rica include:

• Official recognition as a safe and reliable operator - allowing for the growth in partnerships and clients
• Customs procedures will be simplified and participants will see a reduced number of physical or documentary inspections, allowing for faster customs entry and processing
• The companies will gain priority in control processes, as well as the opportunity to request the inspections in designated locations, meaning faster operations which suit them
• The opportunity for international mutual recognition, which makes it easier for logistics in markets where Costa Rica still has customs cooperation agreements
• A better, stronger corporate image, with increased trust from business partners and authorities and more appealing to new partners

Driving supply chain transparency

Shipping lines are particularly important to the AEO ecosystem, according to Maersk. They allow the international transportation and cargo traceability, meaning they are responsible for keeping cargo carriers on track and honest.

Due to their expertise in maritime security, advance information handling, regulatory compliance and document management, they are able to meet the standards of the AEO programme. Shipping lines reinforce supply chain security, helping exporters and importers operate with trust and transparency. This is due to their work in container verification, alignment with International Maritime Organization (IMO) protocols and secure electronic data exchange.

The implementation of the AEO in Costa Rica allows for safer, more efficient and more sustainable international trade, as it promotes compliance and transparency. Through this, it helps shippers become more competitive and a more reliable, appealing partner for companies involved with international trade.