The OEA certification is a way for companies to demonstrate to Customs authorities that they are safe and reliable. This begins with an application process that demonstrates that the company meets the 11 requirements (noted below) outlined by the Authorized Economic Operator program. These requirements are focused on establishing safety and security across all aspects of operations, demonstrating to other countries that there is a low risk of a threat crossing the border with the certified company's shipments.
The OEA certification must be renewed each year, and audits performed to continue operations and demonstrate that compliance with OEA's security standards is maintained.
For companies that have secured certification to the United States Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) or Canada's Partners in Protection (PIP) program, Mexico's OEA certification process is roughly equivalent. However, there are some small differences in the documentation required to apply, so securing certification may be done more rapidly with the assistance of a company experienced in navigating regulatory processes in Mexico.