August 21, 2026
SCAN has reached another important milestone in its mission to strengthen global supply chain security and trade facilitation. During the VIII Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Congress in Guatemala City on August 18, 2026, SCAN and Guatemala’s Superintendence of Tax Administration (SAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a formal framework for cooperation focused on secure international trade, compliance, and trusted business partnerships.
This agreement represents SCAN’s second formal partnership with a Customs administration, following the Joint Statement signed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in 2024. It also reflects SCAN’s continued commitment to building meaningful public-private partnerships that support secure and efficient global trade.
A Milestone for Supply Chain Security in Guatemala
The MOU marks a significant step forward for supply chain security and trade facilitation in Guatemala. By bringing together Customs authorities and the private sector, the agreement reinforces a shared commitment to strengthening compliance, enhancing supply chain security, and advancing trusted trade initiatives.
According to SAT, the cooperation will promote secure international trade through Guatemala’s AEO Program while strengthening compliance and security throughout the supply chain. The partnership will support collaboration in several key areas, including integrated tax and customs risk management, the exchange of best practices, and the continued development of trusted trader programs.
This collaboration demonstrates the growing recognition that strong partnerships between government agencies and industry organizations are essential to building safer, more resilient, and more efficient supply chains.
Recognition of SCAN Members as Trusted and Secure Companies
One of the most significant outcomes of the agreement is SAT’s recognition of SCAN members as trusted and secure companies under the risk criteria established within Guatemala’s Integrated Tax and Customs Risk Management Model.
This recognition validates the value of robust compliance and supply chain security programs and further strengthens SCAN’s reputation as a trusted organization within the international trade community.
The agreement also enhances SCAN’s visibility and credibility within Guatemala’s government and business sectors, positioning members to benefit from stronger relationships, greater recognition, and expanded opportunities throughout the country’s trade ecosystem.
New Opportunities Through Guatemala’s AEO Program
The partnership provides SCAN with greater visibility into Guatemala’s Authorized Economic Operator program and its certified companies. This creates new opportunities to connect SCAN members with trusted importers, exporters, distributors, manufacturers, and logistics partners throughout Guatemala.
According to information shared by Guatemala’s AEO leadership, inspection rates for AEO-certified companies are approximately 1-2%, compared to 12-14% for non-AEO companies. These figures demonstrate the tangible advantages of participating in trusted trader programs and investing in strong security and compliance practices.
For SCAN members in the United States and other countries that do business with Guatemala, this enhanced cooperation can help identify and connect with AEO-certified trading partners that have already demonstrated a commitment to internationally recognized security and compliance standards.
Expanding Opportunities for Guatemalan Companies
An important outcome of the partnership is the opportunity it creates for Guatemala’s trade community. AEO-certified manufacturers and AEO-certified importers in Guatemala are now eligible to become SCAN members and join SCAN’s global network of trusted trading partners.
By participating in the SCAN ecosystem, qualifying Guatemalan companies can further strengthen their international recognition, enhance supply chain security, and expand opportunities to connect with multinational companies seeking secure and reliable business partners.
Additionally, several Guatemalan government agencies participate in the AEO program and provide complementary benefits to certified companies, further increasing the value of maintaining strong compliance and security programs. These advantages underscore the growing importance of trusted trader initiatives throughout the region.
Looking Ahead
The MOU with SAT represents another important step in SCAN’s strategy of developing formal partnerships with Customs administrations around the world. SCAN is actively working to establish similar agreements with the Customs administrations of El Salvador and Honduras while continuing discussions with other authorities globally.
Through these partnerships, SCAN aims to deliver measurable value to members by facilitating connections with trusted trading partners, supporting more secure and efficient cross-border commerce, and helping reduce risk throughout international supply chains.
SCAN is optimistic that its partnership with SAT will generate meaningful benefits for businesses, Customs authorities, and the broader international trade community. Together, SCAN and SAT are advancing a shared vision of secure, compliant, and trusted trade while building stronger, safer, and more resilient supply chains for the future.
Read more on the Guatemala SAT website: Unen esfuerzos para un comercio seguro
