BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
EZULWINI – Fifteen companies have been accredited as Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs), marking a significant expansion of Eswatini’s trusted trader programme as the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) seeks to facilitate faster border clearance, strengthen customs compliance and improve the country’s competitiveness in regional and international trade.
The new accreditations were announced during the 4th Annual ERS Client Appreciation Day held at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini, where the ERS recognised businesses that have consistently demonstrated high levels of customs compliance and supply chain security.
Speaking at the event, ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule said the programme reflects the organisation’s shift from relying primarily on enforcement towards building stronger partnerships with compliant businesses.
“Our relationship with traders is evolving from one based predominantly on control to one increasingly built on trust and partnership,” Nkambule said.
He explained that the Authorised Economic Operator programme is central to that transformation, rewarding businesses that consistently meet stringent customs and security requirements.
According to Nkambule, participation in the programme has grown rapidly over the past few years, increasing from only two accredited operators to more than 30 participating and accredited businesses.
The latest group of 15 companies further strengthens the programme and demonstrates growing confidence by the private sector in voluntary compliance initiatives.
Nkambule congratulated the newly accredited companies, saying their certification reflects their commitment to maintaining high operational standards, customs compliance and secure supply chains.
He noted that AEO status also provides tangible commercial advantages.
Among the benefits are faster customs clearance, more predictable border procedures and fewer physical inspections, enabling businesses to move goods more efficiently while reducing delays and operating costs.
“We intend to deepen this trusted trader approach as we progress towards smarter and ultimately no-stop border processes, with AEOs receiving priority consideration,” Nkambule said.
He added that strengthening partnerships with compliant traders allows customs authorities to focus more resources on identifying high-risk transactions while facilitating legitimate trade.
Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg also praised the companies receiving accreditation, describing the programme as an important tool for improving trade facilitation and enhancing Eswatini’s economic competitiveness.
“The AEO programme is important because it rewards companies that consistently meet high standards,” he said.
Rijkenberg said the initiative supports faster and more predictable movement of goods across borders while reducing unnecessary friction in customs procedures.
He added that efficient border processes are increasingly important as countries compete to attract investment and expand regional trade.
According to the minister, the programme also strengthens Eswatini’s reputation as a dependable trading partner by demonstrating that local businesses operate according to internationally recognised customs standards.
He encouraged more companies to pursue accreditation, saying compliance should be viewed not merely as a legal obligation but as a strategic business advantage.
“To the companies receiving this accreditation, congratulations. You are helping to show that compliance can be a competitive advantage,” Rijkenberg said.
The expansion of the AEO programme comes as ERS continues implementing reforms aimed at modernising customs administration, improving trade facilitation and strengthening revenue collection while supporting economic growth.
By building stronger partnerships with compliant businesses, the revenue authority hopes to create a customs environment that balances effective enforcement with efficient service delivery.
Officials believe that wider participation in the trusted trader programme will ultimately improve border efficiency, lower the cost of doing business and position Eswatini as a more competitive destination for regional and international trade.
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