A new digital system has been launched in the Republic of Moldova. Facilitates communication between business and customs authority
Authorised entrepreneurs engaged in international trade will benefit from a new digital system that facilitates communication with the customs authority, after the Customs Service launched the "e-AEO" Information System, which allows business people to apply and issue Authorised Economic Operator authorisations in an exclusively electronic format, without having to apply on paper.
The Authorised Economic Operator programme is aimed at entrepreneurs who voluntarily meet the criteria regulated by customs legislation and establish a close cooperation relationship with the customs authorities. More than 100 company representatives from various sectors were present at the digital launch event. According to them, Authorised Economic Agent status comes with a number of benefits.
"It offers a number of possibilities to increase the speed of customs operations, which today really matters a lot. In 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we had waiting times in customs up to, often, 80, 90 hours, which matters a lot," said Valeriu Strelet, company administrator.
"On the entry side of the country there is separate corridor for AEO. Transport with this status, it is physical control of the goods and it is priority, documentary control and customs clearance is given priority," said Alina Andries, representative of another company. In May, dozens of entrepreneurs from the country's regions who want to join the information system will benefit from workshops where they will be informed and trained.
"We can provide qualitative monitoring from both sides, we can consult, we can notify the business environment. Our objective is to improve the partnership and improve quality and grow the country's economy," said Tatiana Moraru, Head of AEO Section, Customs Service.
"This system will help reduce time, effort and communication between the customs authority and the business environment. I want to assure you that we are aware and reaffirm our continued support," said David Anderson, Director, USAID Program.
The e-AEO Information System was launched thanks to the partnership with USAID's Institutional and Structural Reforms in Moldova Programme and will be operational from 1 September 2023.
