Customs President awards GCC Authorised Economic Operator Certificate to several companies

The President of Customs, Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, presented several companies with the GCC Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Certificate in recognition of their compliance with the highest standards related to customs procedures and regulations, as outlined in the GCC AEO Guide for Customs Affairs.

 The programme aligns with the World Customs Organisation's SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.

Customs President commended the certified companies: DHL International Bahrain, DHL Global Forwarding Bahrain, NAS Commercial Company, Trafco Group, Crown Industries, and Future Communications Company. He reaffirmed Customs Affairs' ongoing commitment to offering various privileges and facilitations to companies approved under the programme, which aim to save time and reduce costs by accelerating customs procedures and clearance times.

The programme also provides additional benefits by enabling companies to take advantage of facilitation services offered by several government regulatory bodies, under signed service-level agreements. Moreover, international benefits are available through mutual recognition arrangements signed with other countries, including reduced manual inspection rates and expedited cargo clearance.

It is worth noting that the AEO programme is a voluntary, unified initiative across GCC countries. Supply chain companies can apply through the programme, which involves an assessment and audit to verify eligibility criteria before granting approval and benefits. Applications are submitted via the Single Window System (OFOQ2), and companies may contact the designated team at aeobahrain@customs.gov.bh.

The Customs President expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to successfully including these companies in the GCC AEO programme. He highlighted that the ceremony reflects Customs Affairs’ efforts to facilitate international trade and support economic growth by strengthening partnerships with the private sector and expanding trade facilitation initiatives in line with government priorities and the Customs Affairs strategic plan, thereby contributing to sustainable development and Bahrain’s progress.