On 13 August 2021, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) reminded traders of the amended Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Regulations, published on 23 July 2021, that enable the participation of all economic operators in the supply chain as well as amplified trade facilitation benefits.
In its notice of 23 July 2021 in the Rules under Section 64E to the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 SARS amended the Rules to expand the participation of the Economic Operators within the Supply Chain in the SARS AEO. The Rules align more closely with the standards of Pillar 2 of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Framework of Standards by introducing a safety and security leg in accordance with international best practices. There are two levels of accredited client status provided for viz. Level 1 AEO (Compliance) [AEO-C] and Level 2 AEO (Security) [AEO-S] with associated facilitations. Previous Level 2 clients will be awarded Level 1 (AEO-C) Status. As from 23 July 2021, additional benefits were awarded to clients, and Level 2 AEO-S came into effect on 23 July 2021.
The draft amendments are accessible at: