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WCO supports Madagascar in building its Authorized Economic Operator Programme

17 February 2025

The Directorate General of Customs (DGD) of Madagascar is making strides in its exciting journey to develop a full-fledged Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, a key initiative designed to improve trade security and compliance.  

As part of its multi-year strategic partnership with the WCO’s Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme and building on previous WCO support, an in-country mission took place from 3-7 February 2025 to build capacity in conducting AEO validations and to agree upon an AEO Action Plan outlining criteria, benefits, and procedures.

Expert-led training sessions, facilitated by WCO experts from the WCO Secretariat and the Ministry of Trade of Türkiye, focused on empowering participants with the skills to identify potential risks within the international supply chain and to create mitigation strategies. As a next step, the DGD will leverage the learnings and skills to design sub-standards of the AEO Criteria as guided by the WCO’s SAFE Framework of Standards. The goal is to enhance Customs-business cooperation, aligning with the DGD’s strategic vision of fostering a compliance-driven culture. 

The Director General of Customs of Madagascar, Mr Zafivanona Ernest Lainkana, underlined the importance of transitioning from the existing Expedited Customs Clearance Procedure to the AEO Programme - emphasizing its potential to improve efficiency and boost broader economic outcomes. A visit to a company that will participate in the AEO Pilot highlighted Madagascar's enterprises' readiness to meet AEO compliance standards.

In the closing session, participants appreciated the training’s practical insights and guidance as a crucial milestone towards launching the AEO Programme by the end of the year. The AEO Pilot will serve to refine the new processes and optimize resource allocation while maximizing trade benefits.

The WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, financially supported by the United Kingdom, looks forward to continuing its partnership with Madagascar to promote sustainable trade facilitation reforms and inclusive economic prosperity. 

For more information on the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, please see here.

For more information on WCO capacity building, please contact Capacity.Building@wcoomd.org.