Brussels, 07/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - As the result of a mutual recognition decision signed on 4 May, which recognises compatibility between each other's goods transport security programmes, the European Union and the United States have agreed to recognise each other's authorised economic operators (AEO), that is, trusted trading partners that meet high security and conformity levels and that are, as such, recognised as reliable and safe operators. Such recognition allows those companies to benefit, as of 1 July 2012, from faster controls and reduced administration for customs clearance, which should considerably reduce costs and contribute to the smooth flow of goods. It should, moreover, improve security on imports and exports, which are often prone to terrorist threat or fraud, enabling customs authorities to focus their attention on real risk areas. Thanks to this decision, some 500 trusty traders in the EU will benefit from advantages when they export to the US market, mainly by avoiding systematic customs controls imposed on exports to the US. The European Union will reciprocate for certified members of the US Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). Mutual recognition of trade partnership programmes prevents the proliferation of incompatible standards, and promotes harmonisation of customs practices and procedures worldwide. (FG/transl.jl)