Riyadh, January 11, 2025 – The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has announced an ambitious new collaboration with 14 government entities to enhance the Saudi Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program, offering a suite of new benefits and incentives for member importers and exporters. This initiative also emphasizes increased cooperation between government bodies and the commercial sector, with the overarching goal of strengthening the security of global supply chains while boosting the efficiency and competitiveness of Saudi businesses.
The program, which has been a key component of Saudi Arabia's trade and logistics sector, has undergone significant improvements aimed at streamlining the trade process. ZATCA and its partner agencies will provide a wide range of administrative, procedural, and financial benefits across three core categories designed specifically for importers and exporters. An additional fourth category has been created to cater to logistics service providers, including customs brokers and freight forwarders, thereby widening the scope of the program to support the entire supply chain ecosystem.
The Saudi Authorized Economic Operator Program’s expansion plays a vital role in advancing the Kingdom’s logistics goals. The initiative is designed to simplify and accelerate trade procedures, facilitating smoother, more flexible operations for importers, exporters, and logistics providers. By promoting greater inter-agency collaboration, the program aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s standing as a competitive global trade hub. With streamlined processes, enhanced access to global markets, and improvements in supply chain efficiency, the program aligns with international standards and best practices for trade facilitation and security.
Since its inception in 2018, the Saudi AEO Program has grown significantly, now encompassing over 550 commercial establishments across the Kingdom. This expansion not only underscores the program’s success but also highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a secure, efficient, and globally connected trade environment. The program’s recognition on the international stage is a testament to its effectiveness, as it is approved by 80 countries worldwide. Mutual recognition agreements with these nations play a key role in facilitating trade and ensuring compliance with international standards set by the World Customs Organization. These agreements offer tangible benefits to participating businesses, including reduced inspection rates and faster customs clearance processes, allowing them to access international markets with greater ease.
In addition to ZATCA, the program brings together a wide range of government entities, including the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, Ministry of Health, Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, Communications, Space and Technology Commission, General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Ports Authority, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Ministry of Investment, and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. This cross-government collaboration is designed to ensure that the Saudi AEO Program meets the highest standards of trade facilitation, security, and logistical efficiency.
The Saudi Authorized Economic Operator Program is a critical pillar in Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification and Vision 2030 goals. As the Kingdom continues to expand its global trade networks and enhance its logistical capabilities, the program is set to play an increasingly vital role in supporting both domestic businesses and international trade relations.
For importers, exporters, transporters, freight forwarders, and customs agents interested in joining the Saudi AEO Program or learning more about the benefits and conditions, detailed information is available on the ZATCA website. The program offers unparalleled opportunities to enhance competitiveness, streamline operations, and ensure compliance with international trade security standards, marking a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia's efforts to integrate further into the global economy.