Forth Ports, one of the UK’s largest port groups, has been awarded an internationally recognised quality mark – the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) - issued by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) – for its major ports on the River Forth. The AEO accreditation recognises that the customs controls and procedures at each of the ports are efficient and compliant and most importantly, secure.
The ports of Grangemouth, Leith and Rosyth are the first ports in Scotland to receive full AEO status for security and customs simplification processes. The accreditation follows a full site audit at the ports by the HMRC which thoroughly reviewed the port’s operational processes, IT, security, storage, procurement and HR procedures.
The Port of Tilbury, London’s major port which is also owned by Forth Ports, received an AEO award in the spring last year.
Commenting on the award, Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer said: “This is significant news for our Scottish ports as we are the first in Scotland to be recognised with full AEO status. We have always provided an efficient and secure process at our ports, but this accreditation also gives our many customers the reassurance that we have robust processes in place This internationally recognised award, which has also already been awarded to our port in Tilbury on the Thames, is extremely positive for both the port and our diverse customer base who will continue to benefit from working with us under this quality accreditation.
“The final position with regards to Brexit has not yet been fully resolved however, gaining this AEO accreditation is part of Forth Ports overall planning for Brexit. The AEO is internationally recognised by the relevant authorities as providing a streamlined logistics supply chain.”