The Port of Felixstowe, the Port of Britain, has become the first UK port to receive full Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.
The AEO initiative was introduced by the European Commission through the Union Customs Code to help simplify customs procedures and secure international supply chains.
Commenting on the accreditation, Clemence Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, owners of the Port of Felixstowe, said, "Being the first port in the UK to achieve full AEO status demonstrates our commitment to providing the best possible level of service to our customers. It recognises the robustness and consistency of the port's procedures, giving customers and UK Customs comfort that the high standards required to achieve accreditation are maintained.
"It is becoming increasingly important to cargo owners that everyone involved in the international supply chain is able to demonstrate the highest standards of customs simplification, safety and security. Ports play a vital role in this regard and this designation gives them that assurance."
The AEO certificate is an internationally recognised quality mark issued by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs giving surety that the holder's role in the international supply chain is secure, and that their customs controls and procedures are efficient and compliant.