On August 24, 2018, the World Customs Organization (WCO) published two new guides on the implementation of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs and Mutual Recognition Arrangement/Agreements (MRAs):  the Customs AEO Validator Guide and the MRA Strategy guide.

According to the WCO, the Customs AEO Validator Guide is intended to both be useful in building capacities in Customs administrations for the AEO validation process and to provide the private sector with a better understanding and preparation for AEO validation, while the MRA strategy guide is aimed at assisting Customs administrations with the development of MRAs.

The WCO announcement may be found here:

http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2018/august/wco-publishes-new-guides-supporting-the-implementation-of-aeo-programmes-and-mras.aspx

The Customs AEO Validator Guide may be found here:

http://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/facilitation/instruments-and-tools/tools/safe-package/aeo-validator-guide.pdf?db=web

The AEO Mutual Recognition Strategy Guide may be found here:

http://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/facilitation/instruments-and-tools/tools/safe-package/strategy-guide-for-aeo-mutual-recognition.pdf?db=web