Mottox Becomes First Specialized Liquor Trading Company to Obtain 'AEO Specific Exporter' Certification, Set to Expedite Export Customs Clearance

Mottox Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Higashiosaka City, Osaka; President: Taisuke Teranishi), a specialized liquor trading company founded in 1915, is pleased to announce that it has become the first in its industry to obtain 'Specific Exporter' certification under the AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) system. A ceremony was held on April 27, 2026, where the Director-General of Osaka Customs presented the certificate of approval to Mottox. *As of March 24, 2026, according to Japan Customs' 'AEO Specific Exporters' https://www.customs.go.jp/zeikan/seido/kaizen.htm Photo of the ceremony Left: Taisuke Teranishi, President of Mottox Co., Ltd. / Right: Shigeto Hioki, Director-General of Osaka Customs About the AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) System The AEO system is a program where customs authorities approve and certify businesses that have established robust systems for cargo security management and legal compliance, offering them facilitated and simplified customs procedures. Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, balancing security and facilitation in international logistics has become essential. In response, the WCO (World Customs Organization) adopted an international framework in 2005, the 'Framework of Standards,' which includes the concept of an AEO program, granting benefits like simplified customs procedures to businesses certified by customs for their security and compliance systems. Currently implemented in over 80 countries and regions, Japan introduced its AEO program for exporters in March 2006. The AEO is a partnership program based on trust between the private sector and customs, and participation requires an application from the business. (Quote from the Japan Customs website) Mottox's Efforts to Obtain 'AEO Specific Exporter' Certification Since 2019, our company has been promoting the export of Japanese alcoholic beverages, primarily sake. We have exported to a total of 21 countries, including the United States, China, and the EU. Due to the impact of the international situation, customs delays and related costs, especially for exports to China, were a significant challenge. Therefore, in June 2023, Mottox began its efforts to obtain 'AEO Specific Exporter' certification. After about three years of thorough preparation, the certification was obtained in April 2026 with exceptional speed. Cargo being shipped for export This 'AEO Specific Exporter' certification is the first case for a specialized liquor trading company. With this, we will strive to further improve and strengthen our security management and compliance systems, and redouble our efforts to ensure prompt supply of products and enhance our services. In the future, in addition to exporting our own products like sake and Japanese wine, we are also considering acting as an export agent for other companies' products, including food items, and will strive for the further expansion of the export business for the entire industry. [About Mottox Co., Ltd.] Mottox Co., Ltd. is a specialized liquor trading company founded in 1915, celebrating its 110th anniversary in 2025. Under the concept of 'Value & Quality,' we handle a selection of carefully chosen products filled with the history, passion of producers, and the characteristics and culture of their regions from around the world. We deliver wines and foods from 25 countries, as well as outstanding local sake, shochu, and awamori from across Japan to our customers at fair prices, contributing to the development of Japan's food culture. Headquarters: 1-6-20 Kosakahonmachi, Higashiosaka City, Osaka 577-0802 President: Taisuke Teranishi Established: March 1954 (Founded: September 1915) Business: Specialized liquor trading (imported wine, local sake, shochu, awamori from across Japan) URL: https://www.mottox.co.jp [For general inquiries] Company: Mottox Co., Ltd. TEL: 0120-344101