Amended Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Regulations to enable participation of all economic operators in the supply chain as well as amplified trade facilitation benefits

23 July 2021 –  The Rules under Section 64E of the Customs Act, 91 of 1964, have been amended to expand the participation of the Economic Operators within the Supply Chain in the SARS Authorised Economic Operator (AEO).    The rules align more closely to the standards of Pillar 2 of the WCO Framework of Standards by introducing a safety and security leg in accordance to international best practices.  There are two levels of accredited client status provided for viz. Level 1 – Authorised Economic Operator (Compliance) and Level 2 – Authorised Economic Operator (Security) with associated facilitations.  Previous Level 2 clients will be awarded Level 1 (AEO-C) Status.  Additional Benefits awarded to clients  as from 23 July 2021. Level 2 accreditation (AEO-S) came into effect on 23 July 2021. See the full amended rules here.