Recently, HTDK officially became an AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) advanced certified enterprise, enjoying the benefits of AEO advanced certification. Since the implementation of new certification standards by Customs in November 2022 (General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 106 of 2022), HTDK is one of the early companies to pass the certification. This “golden signboard” for import and export clearance is the highest credit rating awarded by Customs to enterprises. Its main purpose is to achieve global supply chain trade security and convenience by building a partnership between Customs and business partners. Obtaining AEO advanced certification is a high recognition of HTDK’s internal control, management system, legal compliance, and trade security, paving a “green channel” for HTDK to enhance the accessibility of global innovative medical devices in China with higher quality services.

AEO, or Authorized Economic Operator, is defined in the World Customs Organization (WCO) Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade as: “A party involved in the international movement of goods in whatever function that has been approved by or on behalf of a national Customs administration as complying with WCO or equivalent supply chain security standards. AEOs include manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, consolidators, intermediaries, ports, airports, terminal operators, integrated operators, warehouses, and distributors.”

China Customs classifies enterprises registered and filed with the Customs according to credit levels into advanced certified enterprises (AEO), discredited enterprises, and other registered and filed enterprises. AEO certification is the highest level of customs enterprise credit certification. For international trading companies, AEO advanced certification is like a “VIP card,” providing numerous clearance conveniences. Internationally, AEO-certified enterprises enjoy various preferential facilitation measures, including expedited customs clearance, in mutual recognition countries (regions). So far, China Customs has signed AEO mutual recognition agreements with 22 economies, covering 49 countries (regions). Goods exported to these countries by Chinese AEO enterprises enjoy local customs facilitation measures, reducing related trade costs. Domestically, AEO advanced certified enterprises benefit from a low inspection rate, priority customs clearance, reduced inspection frequency, the establishment of coordinators, and other convenient customs clearance measures.

Teresa, CEO of HTDK, stated, “As one of the few domestic providers of end-to-end cross-border commercial solutions for high-value medical devices across multiple medical specialties, HTDK is well-versed in the thinking patterns, international business needs, commercial operations, quality standards, and compliance requirements of global brands. For many years, we have consistently served global high-value medical device brands with the highest international standards. We are delighted to receive the AEO advanced certification. We will use this as a new opportunity to continuously strengthen internal management. At the same time, we will fully utilize the convenience of AEO in global customs clearance to further assist our global medical device brand partners in entering and penetrating the Chinese market, contributing to Healthy China 2030 and bringing global high-quality medical care to benefit Chinese patients and healthcare users.”