Cover Story
Fall 2018 / Issue 59
indicates that economic opera-
tors in the Republic of Macedonia
(manufacturers, exporters, import-
ers, forwarders, transporters) in the
international supply chain are reli-
able and secure and that their cus-
toms controls and procedures are
efficient and harmonized. We, as the
Customs Administration, strongly
encourage Macedonian companies
to acquire the authorized economic
operator status so they can engage
in the CEFTA global supply chains
and receive international recognition.
An Authorized Economic Operator
(AEO) is an entity that is approved by
the customs administrations to use
reliefs in relation to customs controls
related to safety and security and/or
simplifications laid down by customs
regulations. Besides importers and
exporters, other entities may apply
for this certificate: manufacturers,
transporters, customs agents,
customs warehouse operators, ter-
minal operator, if they meet the pre-
scribed criteria and conditions.
The advantages of having AEO
are many, and are both direct and
indirect. The direct advantages
include: greater efficiency in their
own internal system and processes,
prior notification in case of selection
for customs control, easier access
to customs simplifications, priority
treatment if selected for control,
possibility to require another loca-
tion for controls and greater coop-
eration with customs authorities and
other state bodies also.
The indirect benefits are: reduced
safety and security incidents,
reduced thefts and losses, i.e. pro-
tection of products, facilities, equip-
ment, information and resources
from theft, use of a logo that is use-
ful as a marketing tool, reliable and
secure business partner.
This concept is also very useful for
the Customs Administration, given
the limited resources for control,
which can better focus on high-risk
shipments.
Practically speaking, if a Mace-
donian company has the status of
an internationally recognized AEO,
when exporting goods to any CEFTA
country, it will have the treatment of
a “domestic” company equal with
the companies of the host coun-
tries. The AEO will have the same
treatment when importing into the
Republic of Macedonia. With further
integration into the EU, this process
of mutual and international recogni-
tion will also apply in the EU Member
States.
More information about the AEO
(benefits, application form, guide-
lines) could be find on the Customs
Administration web site.
New Member Highlight
Comfi Angel is a company based in Prilep, established in 2004,
employing over 900 people and specialized in manufacturing of
pillows, duvets, mattress protectors/mattress covers. Starting
alongside the UK partner Comfy Quilts, now the company works
independently according to the Oeko-Tex, BSCI and ISO stan-
dards. Comfi Angel is an exclusive manufacturer for the following
retailer chains: Tesco, Carrefour, ACTION, Interspar, OTTO as well
as suppling some of the biggest hotel chains.
The success and the positive growth are a result to the perfect
strategic management, fulfilling the company goals and imple-
menting innovative and modern strategies used when approaching
new markets. In addition, Comfi Angel is always adapting to the
quality standards and quality control procedures for every cus-
tomer separately.
Kolemisevski & Partners assist clients with various legal issues
a business or an individual may face. Since 2011, Kolemisevski &
Partners has worked alongside foreign investors in the Republic
of Macedonia, along with leaders of large and small-scale busi-
nesses. The firm, their practices, and attorneys are highly valued
and respected by clients, other lawyers from around the country,
as well as other foreign and local partners and institutions. The
company looks beyond the books to craft sophisticated solutions
to clients’ legal and business problems; denoting creativity and
flexibility that anticipate the marketplace, but most importantly
always endure efficiency and diligence as a critical factor for suc-
cessful results.
AmCham Macedonia Magazine
21