The Federal Customs Authority of the UAE has awarded Authorised Economic Operator certification to Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates.

The cargo airline is now a certified member of the UAE Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which serves as a voluntary compliance and security scheme aimed at facilitating global trade outlined by the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

Built upon the SAFE Framework of Standards, the AEO programme’s goal is to both enhance security and increase the efficiency of the supply chain in relation to the cross-border transportation of goods.

Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo said: “Emirates SkyCargo is committed to the highest standards of service delivery in meeting the logistics requirements of our customers.

“For us, the AEO certification is yet another step to ensure that Emirates SkyCargo and Dubai work together to remain at the forefront of the logistics industry as an effective platform for global logistics.”

Following receiving the AEO certification, Emirates SkyCargo will be able to offer its client’s faster processing and customs clearance of cargo in the UAE, and in other countries that recognise the AEO programme.

To secure UAE AEO certification, Emirates SkyCargo underwent an eight-month validation process with Dubai Customs. As part of the process, the cargo airline was evaluated on factors that included security of physical infrastructure and traceability of shipment records but was also appraised on records of historical and actual compliance with regulations issued by UAE Federal Customs Authority and Dubai Customs.