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Hong Kong Expands Authorized Economic Operator Programme and Mutual Recognition Agreements
Participation and trade value from AEO enterprises grow as Hong Kong targets more cross-border customs agreements
The Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme has recorded increasing participation and trade volumes over the past three years, according to official data.
In 2024, goods handled by Hong Kong AEOs reached 3.52 million consignments, accounting for 4.04 percent of the territory's total import and export volume.
The trade value of these goods was approximately 1,318 billion Hong Kong dollars, representing 13.90 percent of the total import and export value.
The number of AEO-recognized enterprises in Hong Kong currently stands at around 90. These firms benefit from customs facilitation arrangements when trading with the 16 economies with which Hong Kong has signed AEO mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs).
This places Hong Kong fourth globally in terms of the number of MRAs signed, following Mainland China, South Korea, and the United States.
The Customs and Excise Department has signed action plans for MRAs with an additional eight economies: Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, Laos, Peru, and Chile.
These agreements are under active negotiation, with customs administrations from both sides engaged in follow-up work.
Future expansion efforts will focus on key trading partners, particularly those along the Belt and Road Initiative, including ASEAN member states, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and economies in South America and Africa.
To promote the AEO Programme locally, the government has held seminars and set up promotional booths at major trade and logistics events, such as the Belt and Road Summit and the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference.
The Customs and Excise Department also uses digital platforms to disseminate programme updates.
Efforts to increase the programme’s attractiveness include partnerships with other agencies.
The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation offers free buyers’ credit checks to AEOs to support risk management.
In 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed among the customs administrations of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao to enhance AEO cooperation in the Greater Bay Area.
The MoU includes provisions for mutual referrals, joint promotion, and shared training to further integrate customs processes across the region.
In 2024, goods handled by Hong Kong AEOs reached 3.52 million consignments, accounting for 4.04 percent of the territory's total import and export volume.
The trade value of these goods was approximately 1,318 billion Hong Kong dollars, representing 13.90 percent of the total import and export value.
The number of AEO-recognized enterprises in Hong Kong currently stands at around 90. These firms benefit from customs facilitation arrangements when trading with the 16 economies with which Hong Kong has signed AEO mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs).
This places Hong Kong fourth globally in terms of the number of MRAs signed, following Mainland China, South Korea, and the United States.
The Customs and Excise Department has signed action plans for MRAs with an additional eight economies: Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, Laos, Peru, and Chile.
These agreements are under active negotiation, with customs administrations from both sides engaged in follow-up work.
Future expansion efforts will focus on key trading partners, particularly those along the Belt and Road Initiative, including ASEAN member states, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and economies in South America and Africa.
To promote the AEO Programme locally, the government has held seminars and set up promotional booths at major trade and logistics events, such as the Belt and Road Summit and the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference.
The Customs and Excise Department also uses digital platforms to disseminate programme updates.
Efforts to increase the programme’s attractiveness include partnerships with other agencies.
The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation offers free buyers’ credit checks to AEOs to support risk management.
In 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed among the customs administrations of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao to enhance AEO cooperation in the Greater Bay Area.
The MoU includes provisions for mutual referrals, joint promotion, and shared training to further integrate customs processes across the region.
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