Who can join?
Traders eligible to apply for AEO status must be registered or licensed for a Customs activity which include importers, exporters, certified customs brokers, bonded area operators, bonded transportation companies, forwarders and shipping companies amongst others. The supply chain considered for the AEO programme is illustrated as follows:
How to join
The applicant must conduct a self-assessment to verify if the below criteria are met. In the event that non-compliance to any criterion is detected by the applicant or SARS official, a Compliance Improvement Plan must be implemented to ensure remedial actions are implemented prior applying for AEO status.
Criteria:
- Appropriate record of compliance with customs and excise procedures
- Computer systems, Operational Procedures and Processes
- Sufficient Knowledge (For more on Sufficient Knowledge please see
- section AEO Sufficient Knowledge Competency Assessment below)
- Financial Resources
- Compliance with Tax Law
- Compliance with WCO supply chain security standards (AEO-S)
Click here for detailed information.
How to apply
Step 1: Login to eFiling and follow the process as described in SC-CF-42 – Customs Trader Portal – External Guide
Step 2: To submit an application for Accreditation, click on New Application under the RLA Registration menu.
Step 3: Follow the process in the above guide from page 92 – 100.
AEO Sufficient Knowledge Competency Assessment
Step 1: Register, nominate, book the assessment following the process SC-CF-37 – Sufficient Knowledge Competency Assessment for AEO – External Guide
Step 2: Assessment Preparation – The External Policies only, found in the Related Documents section hereunder, serve as study material.
Step 3: Watch the video on our SARS TV channel: AEO Customs Sufficient Knowledge
Step 4: Complete the assessment.
Benefits received once accredited
Click here to see the benefits of the AEO Programme
Legislation
Rules amendment – Government Gazette No. 44884: No. R.648
Rules amendment – Government Gazette No. 46207: No. R. 2000
Documentation
Related Documents
SC-CA-02 – Internal Administrative Appeal – External Policy
SC-CC-26 – Alternative Dispute Resolution – External Policy
SC-CC-32 – Prohibited and Restricted Goods – External Policy
SC-CF-07 – Accreditation – External Policy
SC-CF-19 – Registration Licensing and Accreditation – External Policy
SC-CF-19-A01 – Documentary Requirements – External Annexure
SC-CF-22 – Special and Extra attendance – External Policy
SC-CF-30 – Invoice Requirements for Customs – External Policy
SC-CF-37 – Sufficient Knowledge Competency Assessment for AEO – External Guide
SC-CF-42 – Customs Trader Portal – External Guide
SC-CF-55 – Goods Declaration – External Policy
SC-CF-55-A05 – Country and Currency Codes – External Annexure
SC-CO-01-02 – Offences and Penalties – External Policy
SC-CR-A-03 – Valuation of Imports – External Policy
SC-CR-A-09 – Tariff Classification – External Policy
SC-RO-02 – Administration of Trade Agreements – External Policy
SC-RO-02-A01 – Application for Determination or Verification – External Annexure
SC-RO-02-A02 – Application for Export Origin Certificates – External Annexure
