Hitachi awarded prestigious AEO customs licence

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) has been issued with an authorised economic operator (AEO) licence. The presentation officially recognises HCME as a company that is in complete control of its internal customs framework, and its adherence to strict import/export regulations. It is also a reflection of HCME’s vision to deliver products of the highest possible quality to its customers.

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The company has been cooperating closely with the Dutch Customs authorities over the past few years to strengthen its capabilities in this sector. Since 2013, HCME’s Customs Department has enhanced all of its procedures, and also implemented a state-of-the-art customs management system. This allows HCME to observe the laws and regulations governing the international trade of goods more efficiently.  

The AEO concept was introduced by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), and is open to any applicant that supports legitimate trade. The licence signifies that a business has met a wide range of criteria, and is working positively toward the common aim of supply chain security. Throughout the process, HCME had to display its financial solvency, solid record-keeping and compliance with customs legislation.

The licence means that HCME will have easier admittance to simplified customs processes, fewer physical and document-based controls, and priority treatment if selected for auditing. In addition, the certification indirectly acknowledges HCME as a secure and safe business partner, and will further strengthen its reputation as an international supplier of reliable construction machinery.   

An official handover ceremony was held on 11 July, and attended by a number of key delegates from both parties. A commemorative certificate symbolising the achievement was presented to Mr Makoto Yamazawa (HCME President) by Mr Van Buijtenen (Regional Director Dutch Customs). Mr Van Buijtenen was joined by five of his associates who had performed the qualifying audit on HCME.  

“We are proud that the Dutch Customs authorities have recognised our enthusiasm and diligence in this area,” says Marrie Jagt, HCME Manager Customs. “The licence demonstrates not only the trust placed in our organisation, but also our ability to work in a transparent and professional manner. We will ensure that the high level of control and expertise for which we have been credited is both reinforced and maintained in the future.”