(1) Where entities related to trade, such as the manufacture, transportation, storage, customs clearance, etc. of exported or imported goods, meet the safety management standards prescribed by Presidential Decree, including financial solvency and compliance with statutes or regulations related to export and import such as this Act or the Act on Special Cases of the Customs Act for the Implementation of Free Trade Agreements in terms of facilities, document management, training of employee, etc., the Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service may certify them as authorized economic operators.
(2) The Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service shall audit a person who has requested an audit to obtain certification under paragraph (1), as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(3) A person who intends to request an audit under paragraph (2) may request the Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service to conduct a preliminary audit on the matters determined and publicly notified by the Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service, such as the appropriateness of documents submitted and whether individual safety management standards are met.
(4) The Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service shall notify the person who requested a preliminary audit under paragraph (3) of the results of the preliminary audit; and when conducting an audit pursuant to paragraph (2), he or she shall consider the results of the preliminary audit.
(5) The effective period of certification under paragraph (1) shall be five years and the certification may be renewed, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(6) Except as provided in paragraphs (1) through (5), matters necessary for certifying authorized economic operators shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 21, 2021]