Dubai, 26th November, 2016:  DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, is set to offer its customers an even faster and more efficient shipment service thanks to Dubai Customs’ certifying them as the only Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Express logistics company in the UAE. Dubai Customs’ adoption of the AEO program will give DHL Express a number of added benefits including priority and preferential treatment by customs officials.

The AEO certification announcement comes as DHL Express is celebrating its 40th anniversary in the UAE as the regional logistics pioneer looks ahead to continuing regional growth and further expansion in the GCC. DHL Express’ AEO certification will enable an even closer partnership with the UAE’s customs department as trade and shipments to the country continue to grow in preparation for Expo 2020.

The AEO certification system in the UAE was recently officially launched at Gitex 2016 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council. It means that DHL Express will also now benefit from being part of a global supply chain that connects AEO certified companies with each other, further decreasing shipment time.

Geoff Walsh, DHL Express’ UAE Country Manager, said: “The implementation of the AEO certification is a big step forward for the UAE in terms of being a significant player in the global supply chain. As countries across the world work towards implementing an AEO program, the UAE is currently in a unique position as it is the only country in the region to have implemented a World Trade Organisation Trade Facilitation Agreement concept.

“We are delighted that this step forward comes as DHL Express celebrates its 40th year in the region and we can look back with pride on the impact that we have had over the past four decades in the UAE. Dubai Customs’ trust in DHL’s high standard of security and global processes have been a major factor in our successful track record and maintaining the highest operational standards whilst benefiting from the UAE’s progressive global trading initiative. The DHL Express team in the UAE has grown considerably since we started operations in the UAE and in doing so we have been able to carry out bigger and more innovative projects to ensure that our customers are happy and satisfied with our operations and the new AEO certification will enable us to offer an even more efficient service to customers here in the UAE.”

Eman Badr Al-Suwaidy, Director of Customs Declaration Management at Dubai Customs, the driving force behind the AEO programme and Member of the National Committee stated that the initiative is part of a positive collaboration between Dubai Customs and the Federal Customs Authority. She continued, detailing the benefits the company will receive from AEO certification. “The AEO certification will enable companies with easy access for their goods to international markets especially the markets with mutual recognition agreements.

 “We are delighted that the introduction of the new certification process will further enhance our relationships we have with our partners, including DHL Express, who we’ve had a strong and professional relationship with for 40 years. We hope that the new processing system at Dubai Customs will help their operations and benefit their logistics business in the UAE.”

The AEO certification is an approved global standards program as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.  With 63 countries all over the world already having implemented an AEO program the UAE and DHL Express are in a unique position to be able to work closely with other AEO certified traders through mutual agreements, including - manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, consolidators, intermediaries, ports, airports terminal operators, integrated operators, warehouses and distributors.