The WCO conducted a National Workshop on AEO authorisation/validation process and Mutual Recognition Arrangement/Agreement (MRA) of AEOs for Cuba from 3 to 7 June 2019 in Havana. Based on the current national situation, the Workshop was aimed at assisting the Cuban Customs authority with the implementation of an AEO programme in line with the relevant provisions of the SAFE Framework of Standards. The MRA process, including bilateral and regional approaches, was explained and discussed with a view to explore potential opportunities going forward.
A WCO expert provided detailed information on various steps involved with the AEO authorisation/validation process including an analysis of the application management phase, as well as the authorisation management phase. There was a focussed discussion on information collection and risk analysis with respect to AEO applicants, validation plan, on-site validation, final report drafting and decision making on authorisation, in order to have a structured approach to the implementation of an AEO programme in Cuba. Methodologies relating to post-authorisation monitoring, re-assessment, warning, suspension and revocation were also examined.
The WCO SAFE Package along with the European Union (EU) experience and best practices were presented and discussed. Based on the resource material shared with participants, a simulation exercise was carried out. Participants were divided in groups and each group was tasked with performing risk analysis of two AEO applicants: one characterised with high-risk and the other one with low-risk.
Cuba initiated the implementation of an AEO programme with a pilot in 2016. Four economic operators have been certified thus far. Cuba expects to establish a full-fledged AEO programme by the end of 2019 and start negotiating MRAs with a few identified countries.
25 participants from various divisions of Cuban Customs benefited from this Workshop, leading to their improved knowledge and understanding of the various steps related to the AEO application and authorisation process. The Workshop also led to enhancing Cuban Customs’ capacity with respect to an MRA negotiation and implementation.