... KELLOGG ACCREDITED ALONG UMBULUZI VALLEY SALES
EZULWINI - Kellogg Tolaram Eswatini (Pty) Ltd has been accredited under the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme along with Umbuluzi Valley Sales.
The two companies were accredited by the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) on Wednesday, adding the total number of local accredited businesses to 11. The number of AEO-accredited businesses has placed the country in second place in the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) region, with the highest number of accredited businesses. Leading in the accreditation is South Africa with over 700 AEO-accredited businesses.
ERS Head of Corporate Services Leonard Nxumalo, said the AEO programme stands as a testament to ERS’ unwavering commitment to fostering a secure and seamless trading environment—one that not only benefits the national economy but also strengthens the country’s global trade relationships. Nxumalo said the two companies have set a benchmark for others to emulate and join a community of nine local companies already enjoying the benefits of the ‘Diplomatic Passport’ that the AEO programme provides.
Procedures
He highlighted that the advantages of becoming an AEO member are numerous. He said as accredited operators, businesses enjoy expedited customs procedures, reduced inspections, and priority treatment during the clearance process. These advantages are not merely rewards for compliance but are also tools to enhance businesses’ competitiveness in the global marketplace.How to be AEO accredited? An interested company submits to ERS an application form together with a self-assessment questionnaire, which can be obtained from the ERS website.
The form is accompanied by other supporting documentation of the company, which includes, but is not limited to, a company organogram, company standard operating procedures and financial statements for the past three years or less. The applicant will be validated against a set criteria of compliance with customs requirements: A satisfactory system for management of commercial records; financial viability and sufficient customs knowledge. The company is then accredited following the results of the validation carried out. The client is accredited through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement that outlines the duties and obligations of both parties, i.e., ERS and the client.
Comments (0 posted):