Following the establishment at the end of last year of a pathway to the signing of a mutual recognition agreement between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, or C-TPAT, and the Israeli Tax Authority’s Authorized Economic Operator Program.
A US customs delegation visited Israel last week. C-TPAT is CBP’s voluntary supply-chain security program for importers, brokers, carriers and other eligible entities. C-TPAT builds upon relationships with all segments of the supply chain, both foreign and domestic to secure the entire supply chain of goods entering the U.S.
Senior Chief Coordinator Clearance Process at the Israeli customs directorate Mr. Aviram Abramovitch who was responsible for the visit noted that the Israel Customs Directorate introduced the "Authorized Economic Operator" program in 2010.
By now, over 20 leading companies in the Israeli economy were approved as AEOs that are nearly 27% of Israeli export and approximately 14 other are currently in course of the authorization process.
This program is aimed to promote and assist Israeli foreign trade, and, mainly, to provide it the optimal conditions to compete in the global market. The program is based on the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards and was adopted by the Israel Customs Directorate in 2005.
Membership in the program allows companies that are AEOs to enjoy rapid and barrier free foreign trade procedures when trading with the countries Israel Customs has signed an MRA with. These expedite procedures save time and reduce bureaucracy what saves money and other resources for importers and exporters on both sides.
Abramovitch added that the visit of the US CPB delegation is a further step in achieving a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). He added that the MRA will further solidifies the United States’ strong and enduring partnership with Israel, and the mutual dedication to ensure the safety and security of both our countries,”.
