POSCO International Earns Top "AAA" Rating for Import and Export Security Management

Strengthening global supply chain capabilities by upgrading import and export management systems

POSCO International has obtained an “AAA” rating, the highest grade under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program.

POSCO International said on October 21 that it had received the highest “AAA” rating at a ceremony held at Incheon Customs to present AEO certificates to companies recognized for their import and export security management.

AEO certification is awarded by customs authorities in each country based on World Customs Organization (WCO) international standards. It assesses companies’ compliance with laws and regulations, internal control systems, financial soundness and security management. Ratings are divided into three grades: A, AA and AAA.

A view of POSCO International's headquarters in Songdo. POSCO International

POSCO International first obtained an A rating in 2013 and rose to AA in 2022. This year, it earned an AAA rating after preliminary inspections and on-site audits covering its major business sites and import and export operations.

With the rating upgrade, the share of import and export shipments excluded from selection for cargo inspections and document submission will increase from 70% under the previous AA rating to 100%. The company will also benefit from exemptions from the requirement to submit contracts and from Korea Customs Service audits, as well as longer intervals between corporate audits. It can also receive customs clearance and logistics benefits in 25 countries, including the United States, Japan and China, that have signed AEO mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs) with South Korea.

POSCO International handles about 40,000 import and export customs clearance cases annually. Building on the certification, it plans to simplify customs clearance procedures, reduce logistics costs and improve supply chain efficiency.

The company will also continue its cooperation program to help partner small and medium-sized enterprises obtain AEO certification. Since 2025, it has operated a certification support program for five partner companies each year, providing assistance through consulting and training.

A POSCO International official said, “Obtaining the AAA rating is the result of our continued efforts to review and improve our import and export management system. We will continue working to reduce customs clearance risks and improve logistics efficiency, while also supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in obtaining AEO certification.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.