APM Terminals Quetzal accredited as Authorized Economic Operator

Guatemala’s Superintendence of Tax Administration (SAT), customs entity, has recognized APM Terminals Quetzal’s transparency and security through its accreditation as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO). The terminals achieved a 100% compliance rating.

The terminal uses a state-of-the-art terminal operating system to optimize security, control and cargo management. It also enables customs and customers to work together as efficiently as possible. Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) recognized the terminal’s compliance with international and local security standards, customs legislation and regulations in areas such as administrative processes and document management, training, general security, risk management and the terminals anti-bribery management system.

Investment in Terminal Surveillance

In September this year, the terminal inaugurated the first of a number of gantry-crane, container-control cabins, at a cost of US$ 28,000. From the new cabin, SAT officials have access to 10 strategically located cameras, to supervise and control the codes of each container entering or leaving a ship. Recordings from the cameras will be available for up to 90 days for internal use by the authorities to give greater traceability to container loading.

“The installation of these surveillance tools is part of APM Terminals Quetzal’s commitment to continuous modernization our facilities and reaffirms the importance of working together with the authorities, in this case with SAT to improve efficiency and transparency,” said Gabriel Corrales, Managing Director of APM Terminals Quetzal.

Customer Benefits of AEO Status

Highlighting the benefits to customers, he continued, “AEO accreditation will enable us to provide more efficient solutions for our clients, promoting transparency, competitiveness and boosting trade in the country, the Central American and Pacific region.”

AEO accreditation offers a series of direct benefits for customers including:

• Simplified and fast procedures to dispatch cargo.
• A SAT Account Managers to provide a direct link between the terminal and the Customs Administration.
• Priority consideration to be part of new programs aimed at facilitating the dispatch of goods.
• Specialized training in logistics chain security, international trade and customs issues for employees.

APM Terminals Quetzal opened for operations in 2017 and is currently operating at 60% of capacity. It is the largest facility between the port of Lázaro Cardenas in México, and the Panama Canal, on the west coast of Central America. The terminal is equipped with two Ship-to-Shore cranes on a 350m quay and a berth depth of 14.5 meters. It can handle vessels of up to 9,000 TEU capacity, making it the largest in Guatemala.