Customs delegation visits Davies Turner

A HIGH-level delegation of representatives from a joint EU/China Customs project has visited the London Heathrow headquarters of Davies Turner Air Cargo (DTAC). The delegation is studying the implementation and delivery of authorised economic operator (AEO) status accreditation.

Led by officials from Chinese Customs and also including HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), French and Dutch Customs authorities, the group spent a working day at the DTAC offices. It studied training and recruitment, personnel security checks, with an overview of DTAC’s AEO implementation through clerical and warehouse procedures, as well as Davies Turner’s perspective on how HMRC ensures the correct and timely handling of AEO applications.

The AEO scheme is one of a series of measures being coordinated by the World Customs Organisation as part of a multi-layered approach to facilitate trade and make supply chains more secure and controlled. In adopting the AEO regime, the EU is aligning with similar measures introduced by other countries, including the USA. The scheme provides authorised businesses with a quality mark, which demonstrates that their internal controls, systems and procedures are efficient and compliant.

Denham Baxter, managing director of Davies Turner Air Cargo said: “This visit was a feather in our cap and was a pleasure to host. The fact that HMRC chose to bring this delegation to us and not a large, multinational forwarder repays our investment and effort in becoming one of the first EU companies to secure accreditation last year.

“The knowledge the delegation picked up from us will contribute to inform discussions now taking place regarding mutual recognition between the Chinese safety and security accreditation process and the EU’s AEO regime for securing the global supply chain.”