The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme is as a flagship Customs-Business partnership which presents mutual benefits that enables SACU Customs Authorities to share compliance and security responsibilities with the private sector, while rewarding them with various trade facilitation perks. Such partnership initiatives hold the promise of enabling revenue administrations to achieve greater efficiency, aiming for sustainable and long-term voluntary compliance through incentivisation. 

Participants in the AEO Programme are required to uphold stringent internal operational standards and demonstrate a consistent track record of compliance. In return for their adherence to these standards, businesses receive a range of benefits aimed at bolstering their operations. The AEO program aligns with international compliance frameworks, emphasising the importance of enhanced voluntary compliance. This necessitates Customs to place increased trust in traders who actively opt for compliance, thereby fostering a collaborative approach towards ensuring regulatory adherence and facilitating smoother international trade processes.