Customs ratifies reciprocal trade facilitation for 13 markets

The government signed mutual recognition arrangement documents.

The Customs and Excise Department signed the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) documents to promote trade facilitation in 13 markets.

It ratified MRAs with 13 customs administrations of the Mainland, India, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Canada, Mexico and Indonesia.

Under the signed documents, AEOs from the signatory countries are entitled to reciprocal trade facilitation including reduced inspection rates and prioritised clearance. 

The department will act as a law enforcer, and economic development promoter as well as continue the AEO programme, which has accredited 80 enterprises since it was enforced in 2021.