KT&G Earns “AA” Authorized Economic Operator Rating
Rating upgraded three years after initial certification, providing benefits such as expedited customs clearance and inspection exemptions
Photo Description
KT&G earned an “AA” rating under the AEO program administered by the Korea Customs Service. The photo shows Lee Seo-jin, Head of KT&G’s Tax Department (left), and Kim Yong-sik, Head of Seoul Regional Customs of Korea Customs Service (right), taking a commemorative photo at the AEO certificate presentation ceremony held on July 8 at Seoul Regional Customs in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
KT&G (CEO Bang Kyung-man) has earned an “AA” rating under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program administered by the Korea Customs Service.
AEO is an international standard certification program based on the World Customs Organization’s supply chain security standards. Under the program, the Korea Customs Service evaluates companies across a range of areas, including legal compliance, internal controls, financial soundness, and security management, and certifies those that meet its standards.
KT&G’s rating was upgraded to AA three years after the company first obtained AEO certification in 2023. Notably, among the A-rated companies submitted to this quarter’s review committee, KT&G was the sole company to receive an AA rating following a rating adjustment review.
As an AEO-certified company, KT&G will receive a range of customs-related benefits, including simplified customs audits and expedited clearance for imports and exports. The rating upgrade is expected to further expand these benefits, including a higher exemption rate from inspections and additional points during certification renewal reviews.
A KT&G official stated, “Earning an AA rating under the AEO program recognizes our efforts to strengthen legal compliance and establish a secure import and export management system. We will continue to develop world-class AEO operating capabilities and further enhance our export competitiveness.”