Global fresh produce importer Special Fruit has been issued with a certificate from the EU that is only awarded to companies complying with high safety standards.
The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certificate means Special Fruit will face fewer document inspections and less risk of theft and loss of goods, and will receive priority treatment during inspections.
“We find it an honour to confirm our reliability towards customers and we are proud to have succeeded in our intention to obtain the AEO certificate, for which I thank all our staff who contributed to this success”, said Jef Wouters, operations director at Special Fruit.
The certificates' US equivalent, the C-TPAT, was set up after the 9/11 terror attacks as a part of an integral plan to fight terrorism.
Both certificates claim to help customs to respond to growing transport volumes and to improve freight security.
