Implementation of the Republic of Moldova – EU Authorized Economic Operators Mutual Recognition programme, getting closer

The representatives of the Customs Service, on a validation visit in Germany

On 3-5 May 2022, the delegation of the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, led by Deputy Director Lidia Ababii, visited Augsburg, Germany to validate the German Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) Programme in the context of implementing the Programme on Mutual Recognition of Authorized Economic Operators between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union. Together with the AEO expert from the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD) of the European Commission, the expert from the Romanian customs administration, as well as the EU High Level Adviser on customs and tax policy, the functioning of the AEO programme in Germany was evaluated in terms of its operational compatibility with the standards applied in the Republic of Moldova, in view of mutual recognition.

For three days, the delegation of the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova got acquainted with the organizational structure of the AEO programme in Germany, the methodology of risk analysis and the application, authorization and monitoring processes. Working visits were also carried out to two companies’ holders of AEO status in Germany.

This activity is part of the series of working visits set up in the action plan for the implementation of the AEO Mutual Recognition Programme (Romania: 22-24 February 2022, Germany: 3-5 May 2022), a priority that derives from the commitments assumed according to the Association Agreement.

The European Union provided support to the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova in developing a complex data exchange system for the mutual recognition of authorized economic operators between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union. The new AEO data exchange system is the first connection system between the customs authorities of the Republic of Moldova and the EU Member States, thus paving the way for future cooperation instruments between partners.

The conclusion of the Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of AEO Programs between the Republic of Moldova and the Member States of the European Union will provide certain mutual benefits to economic agents, including priority border crossings – a special band for AEO holders and a reduced number of controls.