NeKo Ship Supply BV in Hoogvliet/Rotterdam has announced that the company has been certified as an “Authorized Economic Operator”(AEO), meaning that it is recognized as “a market participant, which can be labeled as safe and reliable in the European community.” AEO companies constitute a link in the international supply chain which comprises the whole production process, from the production of goods to delivery to the end user, including exports and imports of those goods to and from the EU.

In its statement, NeKo said it is so far the only ship supplier in Europe awarded an AEO certificate.

Ther World Customs Organisation (WCO) has drafted a framework of standards to secure and facilitate global trade (SAFE) in which the AEO certificate is a core part. The WCO is no longer working just to ensure the global movement of goods, but also in light of increased security threats. The AEO is the equivalent of supply chain security standards.