WFS is also the first of the major handling organizations in Europe to gain AEO certification.
AEO status confirms that WFS has been approved by the national Customs administration as complying with the World Customs Organization (WCO) or equivalent supply chain security standards.
The growth of global trade and increasing security threats to the international movement of goods have forced Customshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs administrations to increase their focus on securing the flow of international trade. AEO is a core part of the WCO Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate global trade (SAFE).
WFS started work towards acquiring the certificate in October 2008. After 10 months of working with consultant Deloitte, WFS Spain obtained the certificate in May 2010. WFS Spain is the first company within the WFS Group to obtain the certificate.
Humberto Castro, WFS' Operations and Service Director in Spain, said: 'With this certification, WFS affirms its commitment to security and agility in customs clearance within what is a key link in the air cargo logistics chain. It is a great added value benefit for our customers and confirms total security in all our processes, whilst bringing significant advantages in everything relating to customs procedures.'
WFS has been at the forefront of adopting governmental and industry standards for security and regularly completes successful audits of its procedures, including by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Pablo Garcia, VP Sales for WFS, said: 'AEO accreditation is a further sign of the quality of our security processes and the responsibility we have to play a key role in creating a secure supply chain. Handling agents are a vital part of the air logistics process and we are committed to gaining AEO status across our business.'
