Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has announced that Zimbabwe has implemented the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme which is a partnership programme between the customs authority and the economic operators to facilitate the movement of goods across international borders. Reads an article compiled by ZIMRA for information purposes only:
In line with international best practices and the Customs and Excise Act [Chapter 23:02] section 216B, Zimbabwe has implemented the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
♦ AEO is a programme under the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards to secure and enhance international supply chain security and facilitate the movement of legitimate goods across international borders.
♦ An AEO may be defined as a party involved in the international movement of goods in whatever function that has been approved by or on behalf of a national Customs Administration as complying with WCO or equivalent supply chain security standards. AEO include inter-alia manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, consolidators, intermediaries, ports, airports, terminal operators, integrated operators, warehouses, and distributors. The facility is open to all stakeholders in this supply chain.
♦ Administered by Customs and Excise Division, the AEO Programme is a voluntary programme open to all business entities that participate in the global supply chain.
♦ Business entities that meet pre-determined compliance standards are accredited as AEOs and as such enjoy appropriate facilitation on Customs clearance.
♦ Faster movement of cargo through the Border/Port of entry
♦ Simplified Customs formalities
♦ Fewer physical and document-based controls
♦ Reduced demurrage and other related costs
♦ Priority treatment in query resolution
♦ Choice of the place for physical examination
♦ Facilitation for movement of cargo during periods of trade disruptions
♦ Improved relations with ZIMRA
♦ Promotes an AEO accredited entity as a secure and reliable trade partner thereby improving business competitiveness.
♦ Mutual recognition of AEO authorizations between Customs authorities as a long-term benefit.
♦ Provides businesses with internationally recognized security standards.
♦ The opportunity to self-assess allows the entity to have full insight into its operations and business practices, identify and strengthen any security or compliance-related weaknesses
Any entity interested in getting benefits of the AEO programme shall apply in writing to the Commissioner of Customs & Excise for accreditation. The entity must meet the following conditions:
♦ Be established in Zimbabwe;
♦ Have an appropriate record of compliance with Customs and other relevant laws;
♦ Have a satisfactory system of managing commercial and, where appropriate, transport records;
♦ Have proven financial solvency; and
♦ Ensure that there is general maintenance of approved security and safety standards at both the entity`s place of operations as well as its business systems and procedures.
♦ Consultation with nearest ZIMRA office on AEO application procedure
♦ Completion of and submission of a self-assessment questionnaire, application form and other relevant attachments required for the granting of AEO status
♦ Examination of application by ZIMRA
♦ Onsite inspection by ZIMRA
♦ AEO authorization
♦ Keep proper records in terms of Section 223 of the Customs & Excise Act [Chapter 23:02].
♦ Maintain an accounting system which is in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) and which facilitates audit-based customs control.
♦ Ensure that its staff members conduct business in accordance with the procedures of the Customs & Excise Act and any other Act administered by ZIMRA or any instructions given by the Commissioner of Customs & Excise.
♦ Ensure a relationship of good faith is maintained by its staff at all times in dealing with the ZIMRA.
♦ Allow ZIMRA officers physical and electronic access to the information and documents as provided in terms of Section 223 of the Customs & Excise Act.
♦ Use compatible E-Systems for Customs procedures and commit to regularly upgrading the systems.
♦ Ensure that its premises are in conformity with the appropriate security and safety standards.
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