The WCO held a virtual Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) training workshop for The Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC) from 20th to 23rd July, 2020. The workshop was made possible through the WCO-Finland ESA Project II with the financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

The key objective of this workshop was to support SRC to build their capacity towards the implementation of an AEO Programme in line with the provisions of the SAFE Framework of Standards and Article 7.7 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

The SRC participants gained an understanding of the three pillars of the SAFE Framework of Standards, criteria and requirements for an AEO scheme, AEO benefits, and the process of validation and authorization of economic operators adopting a whole supply chain approach.

In addition, detailed discussions were held with regard to future steps for the development of an AEO Programme for SRC including establishing a project team, consulting with stakeholders, establishing a legal basis, framing of criteria, requirements and validation process, conducting of a pilot, and drawing up an implementation plan with key deliverables and timelines.

Going forward, based on the further need of SRC, a follow up workshop will be planned to further support SRC officers together with stakeholders from the business community and partner government agencies.

“For more information please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org”