TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Businesses in Australia and Indonesia will enjoy simplified customs processes after the signing of the Authorized Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO MRA) between the two countries. The agreement was signed by the Commissioner of the Australian Border Force (ABF), Michael Outram APM, and the Director General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) Indonesia, Askolani, at the 23rd Inter-Customs Discussion in Canberra on Wednesday, August 7.

Mr. Outram said Australia's 11th MRA means that Australian Trusted Traders (ATT) will have faster, more efficient, and secure access to one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

"Indonesia is a very important partner for Australia and it is important that we continue to strengthen cooperation and information sharing between the two countries in the areas of law enforcement and trade facilitation," Commissioner Outram said.

Following this signing, both institutions will implement this agreement, which will deliver real economic and security benefits. In 2022-2023, Indonesia is Australia's 13th largest two-way trading partner by value ($26.2 billion / Rp274 trillion) and the 9th largest export market ($15.7 billion / Rp164 trillion). Indonesia is also on track to become one of the world's ten largest economies by the mid-2030s and the fourth largest by mid-century.

Australia currently has agreements with Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and India. Indonesia has also signed agreements with South Korea, the Hong Kong SAR, the United Arab Emirates, and ASEAN members.

The AEO MRA, as outlined in the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework), is an agreement between customs administrations and equivalent AEO programs. Australian businesses that are part of an international supply chain are encouraged to visit the ABF website to apply to join the ATT program.

Suci Sekarwati

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