Port of Tyne granted AEO customs check status

The Port of Tyne – one of the UK’s busiest ports – has been granted Authorised Economic Operator (‘AEO’) status as part of its preparations for Brexit.

AEO status is an internationally recognised quality mark, awarded by HMRC; it means that the Port’s customs checks and processes meet international standards as well as giving faster access to simplified customs procedures.

The Port of Tyne is one of only a handful of UK Ports to be awarded full Authorised Economic Operator Status (AEOF) for both customs simplification (AEOC) and fast track security and safety processes (AEOS).

Matt Beeton, Port of Tyne’s chief executive officer, said: “The award of AEO status means that the Port of Tyne will be fully prepared whatever the outcome of the ongoing Brexit negotiations.  Our customers will know that we’re a safe and secure business partner and that we’ll have streamlined arrangements in place to move goods across international borders quickly and easily.

“Gaining AEO accreditation is therefore an important milestone and one that we’re very proud of – our team’s been working very hard to achieve this over the past 12 months.”

The AEO award will also benefit our customers, helping them to secure their supply chains and minimising potential delays.

Graeme Hardie, Port of Tyne’s head of operations, said: “The Port of Tyne achieving AEO status is great news for our customers.  It will, potentially, avoid delays, creating greater efficiencies and will ensure goods are imported and exported as swiftly and securely as possible.”

The Port of Tyne is one of very few operators to have met the AEO standard across its entire operation including bulk and break bulk cargoes, automotive, containers, Ro-Ro freight, warehouse and logistics and rail freight.