MOL wins AEO certification

This documentation is comparable to the C-TPAT certification in the United States and covers both simplified customs procedures and security in the European Union. MOL is the first shipping line to receive AEO certification covering all its mainland European offices. It took the company’s general affairs department two years of preparation before it submitted the pan-European certification process to the Dutch customs at the end of June 2009. A series of interviews by customs auditors was conducted in Rotterdam and other MOL (Europe) BV branches. The process started in July 2009 and was concluded at MOL Europe’s head office in February 2010. Mr Tenabe says that many large clients are now seeking partnerships with carriers with AEO status, so all the work that went into attaining the certification has been well worthwhile. The certification granted in March extends across eight different countries and 14 offices under the MOL (Europe) BV legal entity. Holders of an AEO certificate are subject to fewer physical inspections and document checks. They also receive priority treatment of consignments if selected for controls, reduction of guarantees, etc