POSCO International (047050.KS) said on the 21st that it has earned an AAA rating, the highest grade under South Korea's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program.
The company received the certificate at a ceremony held at Incheon Customs the same day, in recognition of its continued upgrades to its import and export management systems.
The AEO program is based on international standards set by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Customs authorities in each country assess trading companies on regulatory compliance, internal control systems, financial soundness and safety management, awarding certification to those that rank highest. The program has three grades: A, AA and AAA.
POSCO International first obtained an A rating in 2013 and was upgraded to AA in 2022. It secured the top AAA grade this year after preliminary reviews and on-site audits covering its main business sites and its overall trade operations.
With the AAA rating, the company will be fully exempt from cargo inspections and document submission screening, simplifying its customs clearance procedures. The efficiency gains are expected to be substantial, as POSCO International handles roughly 40,000 import and export clearances a year.
The company can also receive customs and logistics benefits in 25 countries that have signed AEO mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs) with South Korea, including the United States, Japan and China.
"We will continue to reduce customs risks and improve logistics efficiency to strengthen our trade competitiveness," a POSCO International official said. "We will also keep supporting small and mid-sized companies in obtaining AEO certification as part of our cooperative growth activities."