In December 2024, the NGO Center for Innovations Development (CID), launched a project funded by the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) titled “Export Without Borders: Improving Export Capacity at Border Crossing Points”. This one-year grant project aims to develop systematic solutions to reduce the time required for processing export shipments at border crossings, and to grant agricultural companies the status of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) in accordance with EU standards.
The AEO status allows exporting companies to streamline border crossing procedures by preparing all necessary documents in advance and pre-sealing their cargo. For agricultural companies, obtaining AEO status ensures priority customs control, leading to reduced processing time, lower risks of supply chain disruptions or theft, increased trust, and an accelerated export process.
“The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has created unprecedented challenges for exporting Ukrainian agricultural products. In this context, the status of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) could become a key tool for Ukrainian agribusinesses to adapt to the new reality. Our goal is to help enterprises adopt advanced European practices, reduce border processing times, minimize supply chain risks, and boost international trust in Ukrainian exports,” said Kateryna Ivanchenko, Director of the Center for Innovations Development.
Under the grant, CID will collaborate with government agencies and agricultural companies, organize roundtables and conferences, and develop recommendations for agribusiness on obtaining AEO status. The initiative will also focus on disseminating this information to interested audiences. As a result of the activities and consultations, ten agricultural exporters are expected to achieve AEO status, expediting the processing of export shipments at border crossing points.