Colombian government approves Authorized Economic Operators

On September 27, 2011, the Colombian Government issued Decree 3568 of 2011, to permit the creation of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) in Colombia, in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the World Customs Organization (WCO), and already developed by other countries, with the purpose of securing and facilitating global trade. While the new Decree comes into effect on November 1, 2011, it is expected that foreign trade participants with a presence in Colombia will begin to prepare their AEO applications as soon as they have reviewed the requirements for establishment as an AEO that the Colombian Customs Office (DIAN) is supposed to provide before that date.

Pursuant to Decree 3568, individuals or legal entities domiciled in Colombia which take part in the international supply chain and either perform activities regulated by the Colombian Customs Regime, or that are supervised by the Superintendence of Harbors and Transportation, the National Maritime Administration or the National Aviation Administration may become qualified as an AEO. Among the benefits granted to AEOs are the following:

• Ability of importers and exporters to act directly before Customs Authorities, without a customs broker when they submit any Declaration of Importation or Exportation.
• Fewer physical inspections and simplified customs procedures.
• Assignment of a Customs Office, Narcotics Police and health authorities (INVIMA and ICA) official to support the AEO’s foreign trade operations and provide safety to the international supply chain.
• Ability to benefit from mutual recognition agreements with other countries, so that benefits granted to AEOs in Colombia are also awarded by the country of destination of goods.