PD Ports, one of the UK’s major port operators, has been officially accredited with the internationally recognised quality mark of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) for its operations at Teesport by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) affirming the Port’s efficient and robust processes to shippers worldwide.

The accreditation recognises that a business’ customs controls and procedures are efficient and meet EU benchmarks.

Within the Northern Powerhouse, Teesport has become the first port to gain AEO status. It was awarded following a 12-month internal review process that culminated in an audit from HMRC to ensure all port operational processes, IT, security, storage, procurement and HR procedures met with strict requirements.

Frans Calje, Chief Executive Officer at PD Ports, commented: “Gaining AEO accreditation reinforces the strength of our commitment to shippers currently using Teesport or looking to the Port as an integral part of their supply chain and is a solid vote of confidence in the high standard of our port operations.

“This will deliver some distinct benefits to many of our AEO accredited customers including greater access to priority clearance of cargoes, reduced administration, traceability of flows of goods and improved security between supply chain partners. There is much focus, in the light of Brexit, on the customs clearance of goods. AEO accreditation puts us on the front foot in making the movement of cargoes through Teesport as simple as possible.

“Delivering high quality, consistent and sustainable service levels to our customers has been instrumental in our decision to gain AEO accreditation across other parts of our business including our short sea ports located on the Humber, logistics and transport operations as well as our freight forwarding and customs clearance activities.”