Albania's Ministry of Finance, alongside the General Director of Customs, visited two companies holding Authorized Economic Operator status and urged other businesses involved in import and export to apply for the certification, citing simpler customs procedures, fewer controls and faster processing. The ministry also said Albania is working intensively to align its Customs Code with European Union legislation, with the process expected to be completed within the year. The visit covered Everest, a manufacturer and exporter in duralumin profiles and the automotive industry with around 530 employees and 60–65% of production exported to markets including Italy, the United States and Canada, and Albaelettrica, which trades and installs electrical materials. Both companies pointed to reduced customs checks, faster transport, time savings and lower costs as practical benefits of the status, while Customs highlighted options such as fewer documentary and physical controls and local clearance at the operator’s premises. The release notes that 18 companies have obtained the status so far. Eligibility criteria include compliance with customs and tax legislation, good financial capacity and appropriate management systems, with additional high security and safety standards for the AEO-S authorisation; benefits vary by authorisation type and can include more favourable risk assessment and control treatment, simplified or exclusive access to certain customs simplifications and mutual recognition arrangements with other states.

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