The reporting period has been characterized by
continued progress made by countries and international
and regional organizations, supported by Customs
and the private sector, regarding the implementation
of the existing framework and programmes in the field
of maritime and supply-chain security. Main areas of
progress include enhancements to regulatory measures
on maritime security and safety, primarily under the
auspices of the IMO, as well as implementation and
mutual recognition of AEO programmes. For the benefit
of traders compliant with internationally required supplychain
security standards, it is hoped that the increasing
number of bilateral mutual recognition agreements will,
in due course, form the basis for mutual recognition of
AEOs at a multilateral level.