Baotou City has achieved a leading position in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region for the total number of AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certified enterprises. As of the first half of this year, the number of AEO-certified companies in Baotou has increased to nine, ranking first among all cities and leagues in the region.
These nine AEO enterprises have recorded a total import and export value of 6.8 billion yuan, accounting for 56.2% of the city's total foreign trade. They have become a crucial force in driving the stability and optimization of Baotou's foreign trade structure.
The AEO system is a core component of the World Customs Organization's (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards. Companies that achieve AEO high-level certification can enjoy a range of preferential policies, including reduced inspection rates, priority customs clearance procedures, and fewer compliance audits. This certification serves as a "credit card" for companies to explore international markets, helping them lower cross-border trade costs and enhance their global competitiveness.
Xianghui Energy (Damaoqi) Co., Ltd., a newly certified AEO enterprise this year, has already experienced tangible benefits from streamlined customs clearance. According to Chen Wenjun, the company's customs affairs officer, receiving the AEO high-level certification has significantly reduced the inspection rate of their import and export goods, shortened customs clearance waiting times, and facilitated smoother logistics.
The continuous release of benefits from the AEO credit facilitation policy has effectively boosted the optimization of the port business environment and the growth of foreign trade. Port cargo throughput has seen a substantial increase. From January to June, the Mandula Port handled 7.586 million tons of import and export cargo, a year-on-year increase of 194.9%.
To further expand the number of AEO enterprises in its jurisdiction, Baotou Customs has established a list of key enterprises for cultivation, implementing a "one enterprise, one policy" approach. Through various methods such as on-site policy briefings, online Q&A sessions, and field guidance, they explain certification standards item by item, assisting companies in standardizing their internal management systems and building trade security frameworks. Focusing on the operational characteristics of foreign trade companies at the Mandula Port, targeted cultivation and support are provided to guide companies in addressing software and hardware deficiencies. This helps qualified foreign trade enterprises actively apply for AEO high-level certification, leveraging credit policy benefits to better meet the growing cargo demand at the port.