After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 (9/11 attacks), World Customs Organization (WCO) became aware of the global supply chain security system and international trade by emphasizing on the procedure of the supply chain security from source to end. The establishing of Standard Framework to secure global supply chain and facilitate global trade called SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (WCO SAFE FoS). One of the main mechanisms of the WCO SAFE FoS is the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme. WCO members have submitted the Letter of Intent to implement this Standard Framework. As a member of WCO, Thailand also adopted the SAFE FoS by signing the Letter of Intent on May 9, 2006 to express intention to implement the WCO SAFE FoS and stimulate awareness of global supply chain security between Thai Customs and private sectors. The AEO Programme implementation has been taken since 2007 and continues onward.

Thailand's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme was originated from the Letter of Intent signed on 9 May 2006 to implement the WCO SAFE FoS to stimulate awareness of the international supply chain safety for Thai Customs Department and the private sector.  And to strengthens supply chain security and enhances national competitiveness in the international trade as well as to facilitate such importers and exporters in Customs procedures.

Thai AEO Programme has been fully implemented since 2011 after the AEO Pilot Project for exporter and importer was successfully launched in 2009. In 2013, the Programme was extended to cover not only the importer and exporter category but also the customs broker category. In January 2014, Thai Customs established a specific division to officially take responsibilities for AEO Programme in Thailand, called AEO Standard Section which is under the Customs Standard Procedures and Valuation Division.  

The number of applicants and AEO operators, importers/ exporters, and customs brokers can be viewed in the List of AEOs Tab, Sub Heading:

Importers/Exporters

Customs Broker