23 May 2023

Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification can create a win-win situation for Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) and Southern African Customs Union (SACU). 

This is through promoting secure and efficient international trade while ensuring compliance with customs regulations and enhancing revenue collection.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, BURS general manager -  communications, Ms Mable Bolele said AEO was a process facilitating international movement of goods certified by a national customs administration, in compliance with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) or equivalent supply chain security standards.

She added that AEO was a business that had been recognised as a trusted and reliable partner in the global supply chain by customs authorities. 

She said AEO status could provide various benefits to businesses, such as simplified customs procedures, reduced inspections, and faster clearance times.

“Southern African Customs Union has an AEO programme that is aligned to the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE Framework of Standards. 

The SACU AEO programme aims to enhance supply chain security and facilitate trade by recognising businesses that meet certain security and compliance standards,” she said.

Ms Bolele said SACU AEO status provided benefits such as reduced inspections, priority treatment and simplified customs procedures.

She said AEO certification could provide significant benefits such as improved reliability and predictability in international trade and enhanced reputation and credibility as a secure and compliant business partner.

Furthermore, she said potential cost savings through reduced customs duties, taxes, and fees as well as competitive advantage in the marketplace was another benefit to businesses.

As for BURS and SACU, Ms Bolele said AEO certification would increase revenue collection through improved compliance and reduced fraud. 

Moreover, she said there would be strengthened customs-to-business partnership and collaboration.

She said it was for the above reasons that BURS had ratified AEO programme to allow traders to enjoy facilitation benefits within and outside the SACU region. 

She said for businesses to qualify for this dispensation, applicants must be legal entities registered with BURS and domicile in Botswana.

She added that the entity must be represented by a citizen or a permanent resident with an established place of business in Botswana. 

She further said company records must be kept in Botswana, citing that the business should also be solvent for it to be considered eligible. ENDS