SACU expands AEO pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa

Staff Reporter

THE Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is expanding its Regional Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, with officials assessing border processes ahead of the second phase’s formal launch later this month.

Officials from the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), South African Revenue Service (SARS), SACU Secretariat, AEO experts and other government agencies conducted a physical walkthrough and assessment at the Noordoewer and Vioolsdrift Border Posts.

The officials followed selected trucks through the end-to-end clearance process, from arrival to final release, while timing each stage to identify potential bottlenecks and assess whether the required systems, procedures, infrastructure and inter-agency coordination are in place.