With accreditation and awards, ECU Worldwide Kenya leads the way

Businesses reliant on international supply chains have traditionally faced hurdles with compliances such as customs, as rules vary across countries. But businesses that partner with a global leader like ECU Worldwide Kenya to move cargo to and from the East Coast of Africa, can not only leverage their local expertise and global network of 180 countries, but also the high levels of trust invested by Kenya Revenue Authority due to the company’s compliance with Kenyan and international customs regulations.

To ensure that its business partners from across the world experience nothing but the best and most seamless global cargo movements, ECU Worldwide Kenya has recently sought and received the prestigious Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) accreditation.

AEO Accreditation: a win-win for customers

It is no secret that gaining this prestigious certification drives huge benefits for businesses. While ECU Worldwide Kenya, has always been stringent about its compliance – one of the reasons why it got certified in the first place – customers of the LCL major have confidence in the form of tangible proof about the company’s high trust index. After all which company wouldn’t want to partner with a logistics firm that is compliant with World Customs Organization’s (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards?

Adding another layer of authenticity and trustworthiness, ECU Worldwide Kenya has been identified as a customs certified secure and reliable trading partner.

Since international supply chains are vulnerable to various kinds of threats, partnering with an AEO certified logistics company therefore acts as a bulwark in times of instability due to unfavorable conditions or a volatile market.

In addition to the high levels of safety and security, ECU Worldwide Kenya’s business partners earn tangible benefits that boost their business.

Through ECU Worldwide Kenya, global LCL consolidation leader ECU Worldwide connects businesses to mainland Africa as well as global hubs in its extensive network. With this accreditation ECU Worldwide Kenya will have access to 152 AEO certified importers and exporters and various other benefits, opening up opportunities for door-to-door service for cargo movement for LCL/FCL and air freight services.

The efficiency is also unmatched, as business partners can now gain from ECU Worldwide Kenya’s access to preferential customs facilities that help with the clearance process, such as pre-arrival, faster priority documentation clearance and access to priority service channel. Moreover, customs destination verification on need basis can be done, saving significant time, as well as cost at points of service, and minimizing procedural tangles for businesses.

“The AEO accreditation is truly a step towards augmented customer satisfaction and security. We knew the value it would bring to our business partners and so we went the extra mile to get accredited even though it was a long procedure of over nine months. A lot of documentation pertaining to the company, its financials, safety and security processes, IT systems, HR processes, internal controls was required by Kenya Revenue Authority for vetting. Clearances were required from Criminal Investigation, Customs and Border Control Enforcement team and others, to confirm that we are compliant with all regulatory processes and have no pending cases. Although lengthy, it was totally worth it”, says Sanjeev Sukumaran, Managing Director – East Africa, ECU Worldwide

Recognition of reliability

Adding another feather to its cap, ECU Worldwide Kenya, has also been recently bestowed with an award under the Best Cargo Consolidator category for 2020, at the East Africa Maritime Awards.

ECU Worldwide Kenya won the award over various other contenders based on stringent criteria such as meeting and surpassing regulatory standards, adopting best practices, product and service delivery, competitiveness, and customer service.

Conclusion

The AEO accreditation and the recognition at the East Africa Maritime Awards is acknowledgment of ECU Worldwide Kenya’s focus on customer centricity, safety and commitment to compliance. Surely this dual victory won’t be the last for this team that is dedicated to achieving excellence, delighting customers and making world trade safer.