Dive Brief:

• DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight arm of Deutsche Post DHL, landed an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification from Indonesian customs, according to a company press release provided to Supply Chain Dive.
• The new certification allows DHL access to benefits such as a reduced number of physical consignment checks, plus preferential treatment in terms of customs regulations. The company will also be recognized as part of a global supply chain connecting AEO-certified organizations that decrease shipment time.
• The AEO accreditation is a cornerstone of the World Customs Organization's (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, intended to ease processing at ports, reduce logistics costs, and promote greater ease of business in Indonesia.

Dive Insight:

DHL is securing its position as an early adopter of global supply chain facilitation. Most big companies have global supply chains, so ease of access is especially important, and that factors into a company's choice of 3PL.

By acquiring a customs certification, DHL improves its reputation as a secure logistics provider that has a good relationship with customs offices in different countries, including Indonesia. That kind of confidence and security is exactly what companies want, especially when they can't oversee all of the moving parts in their supply chains overseas.

"Across the region, DHL has such certifications in many countries, including TAPA certifications," a DHL spokesperson told Supply Chain Dive. "Coupled with our sound understanding of local market conditions and requirements, we are well-positioned to provide our customers with comprehensive and secure supply chain solutions."

A 3PL developing good relationships with customs not only helps streamline the supply chain, but it also encourages more transparency and communication between customs agencies, 3PLs and suppliers. This, in turn, helps increase efficiency and crack down on unethical or illegal practices.