POSCO International earns top rating in import-export management, boosting global logistics competitiveness

[Financial News] POSCO International has earned the highest AAA rating under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification program, in recognition of its import-export management capabilities. The achievement is expected to improve global supply chain efficiency through streamlined customs procedures and lower logistics costs.
POSCO International said it received the top AAA rating at an AEO certificate presentation ceremony held at Incheon Customs on the 21st.
AEO is a certification granted by customs authorities in each country, in accordance with the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) international standards, following a comprehensive assessment of companies’ compliance with laws and regulations, internal control systems, financial soundness and security management. The ratings are divided into three levels: A, AA and AAA.
POSCO International first earned an A rating in 2013 and upgraded to AA in 2022. Since then, it has continued to improve its import-export procedures and internal control systems. This year, following on-site audits of its major business sites and its import-export operations as a whole, it earned the top rating.
With this certification, the share of import-export cargo exempt from selection for inspections and document submission will rise from 70% to 100%. Other benefits include exemption from the requirement to submit contracts and from planned audits by the Korea Customs Service, as well as an extended interval between corporate audits. Customs and logistics-related benefits are also available in 25 countries that have signed AEO mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with South Korea, including the United States, Japan and China.
POSCO International, which handles approximately 40,000 import and export customs clearances annually, expects the upgrade to reduce the time and cost involved in customs clearance and improve the efficiency of its global logistics operations.
The company is also supporting efforts to strengthen the import-export competitiveness of its partner small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Since last year, it has been running a win-win cooperation program that provides consulting and training to five partner companies each year to help them obtain AEO certification.
A POSCO International official said, “Earning the AAA rating is the result of our continued review and improvement of our import-export management system. We will continue to reduce customs risks and improve logistics operating efficiency to strengthen import-export competitiveness, while also continuing our cooperation initiatives to support SMEs in obtaining AEO certification.”

[email protected] Su-bin Im Reporter