Simarco

Simarco has been granted authorised economic operator (AEO) status, after seeing an increase in import and export volumes this year.

The accreditation is awarded by HMRC to companies with trusted security operations, allowing goods to be moved quickly and more efficiently through customs.

Simarco said securing the status had allowed it to move loads into Europe quicker than before. It also claimed its efficient handling of goods at its sites in Liverpool, Witham in Essex and Barton-under-Needwood in Staffordshire had won it more business.

Director Chris Bentley said: “Winning AEO approval is not only a fillip for our processes, including how we move and how we store goods, but the administration around them because the requirements placed on the transparency and security of what we do are very strict.”

An agreement between the EU and the United States providing easier customs clearance for AEO-accredited companies came into effect on 31 January.