Chen Siqi

vankochensq@163.com

THE rapid expansion of e-commerce in the digital era presents both challenges and opportunities in extending the AEO program to that sector, Mohammad Ehteshamul Hoque, a trade specialist at the Asian Development Bank, said while hosting a discussion session on the role of AEO in e-commerce during the 6th WCO Global AEO Conference on Thursday.

Veerle Dierendonck, with the Belgium General Administration of Customs and Excise, stressed the importance of cross-border e-commerce companies joining the AEO program.

She said that the main characteristic of e-commerce is to provide speedy delivery, and obtaining AEO status can streamline and simplify customs clearance processes.

Kim Duck-gi, head of the AEO Center of the South Korean Customs Service, pointed out the challenges of expanding the AEO program to the e-commerce sector.

According to Kim, e-commerce companies are met with barriers to participation in the AEO program because they often find it difficult to manage goods and rely heavily on information from various sources like manufacturers, importers, and exporters.

To enhance its services and supervisory capabilities, China Customs has implemented substantial initiatives through the deployment of cutting-edge technologies.

According to Wang Congbo, an AEO expert from Hangzhou City in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Customs has introduced an intelligent app tailored for cross-border e-commerce that utilizes tech solutions like facial recognition, big data analytics, and intelligent payment verification to ensure transaction authenticity.

Cheng Chao, general manager of international customs affairs at Zhejiang Cainiao Supply Chain Management Co. Ltd., said the AEO-certified logistics company operates a bonded warehouse, with an area over 1 million square meters, alongside over 40 overseas warehouses. The company also leverages data analytics and technological solutions to collaborate seamlessly with customs authorities.

Recognizing the pivotal role of data in the digital era, Dierendonck commended Hangzhou Customs for accepting data from private enterprises. She also expressed her hope of obtaining reliable and high-quality data to enhance the efficiency and security of customs.