Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of Customs, presented Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certificates to four companies as part of Customs Affairs' efforts to facilitate international trade and contribute to economic growth by enhancing local partnerships with the private sector.
The companies are Hydro Building Systems Middle East W.L.L., Delmon Poultry Company B.S.C., BASF Plastic Additives Middle East W.L.L. and BFS W.L.L.
The companies received the certificates after meeting the highest compliance requirements for customs procedures, regulations and related activities, as outlined in the Customs Affairs GCC Authorised Economic Operator Programme Guide, in accordance with the World Customs Organisation’s Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.
The Customs President said the GCC Authorised Economic Operator Programme offers certified companies a range of benefits and facilities aimed at saving time and reducing costs by accelerating customs procedures and shortening cargo release times.
Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad said participating companies also benefit from facilities provided by several government regulatory authorities under signed service-level agreements, as well as international trade facilitation measures under mutual recognition agreements with other countries. These include reduced rates of physical inspections of imported goods and faster customs clearance.
The GCC Authorised Economic Operator Programme is a unified voluntary programme across GCC member states.
Companies can apply to join the programme through the single-window system (OFOQ 2), which facilitates the assessment and auditing process to ensure compliance with all programme requirements.