Crossflight Wins Full AEO Accreditation

Effective 13th January 2009 Crossflight Ltd became one of Europe's first Authorised Economic Operators (AEO's).

Crossflight has been advised by the UK accreditation authority, HM Revenue and Customs, that its AEO application has been successful and it has achieved Full Certification (Type F) which entitles the company to benefits under security and safety, as well as Customs simplifications (effective July 1st 2009).

The AEO scheme is one of a series of measures being coordinated by the World Customs Organisation as part of a multi-layered approach to facilitating trade and making supply chains more secure and controlled. In adopting the AEO regime, the EU is aligning with similar measures introduced by other countries, including the USA. The scheme provides legitimate businesses with a quality mark, which will demonstrate that their internal controls and procedures are efficient and compliant.

Achieving AEO Status is recognition of Crossflight's efforts in fulfilling the extensive and highly demanding requirements set by the European Commission and implemented by all the Member States in the EU.

The process started in 2007 when Crossflight made its application to HMRC who undertook rigorous assessments of its IT systems and operations. Potentially, some 140,000 companies involved in international trade are eligible to apply within the UK alone.

Some of the tangible benefits of AEO accreditation: Crossflight's customers can look forward to fewer physical and documentary examinations of shipments, priority use of non-intrusive inspection techniques when examination is required and priority processing by Customs when security is heightened. 'Preferred Trader' eligibility applies.

One of the purposes behind the creation of the AEO scheme is to create linkage with the Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) measures in the USA. Such recognition, due in summer 2009, would allow companies registered under either scheme to enjoy fast-track Customs clearance into the USA.

Commenting on Crossflight's AEO accreditation Managing Director Richard Stoughton said: "As an AEO, we will gain a commercial advantage over our competition and our customers will benefit. The accreditation shows our determination to remain at the forefront of efforts to make the supply chain even safer. I am delighted that my company has been accredited as an AEO, which is great testament to our continual focus on quality and commitment to driving standards to greater levels. I am very proud of our staff whose consistently high performance levels have put us in the leading position we enjoy today in the market."