Innahura Maldives Resort has become the first business in the Maldives certified under the newly launched Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme.

Led by the Maldives Customs Service, the initiative aims to streamline trade for businesses that consistently comply with customs laws and regulations.

The certification was awarded on Monday at the Maldives Customs Building. Minister of State for Economic Development and Trade Abdulla Shiyaz presented the certificate to Hussain Hameed, Manager of Innahura Maldives’ Malé office.

Speaking at the event, Minister Shiyaz described the programme as a major step towards improving trade facilitation and fostering a more business-friendly environment.

Commissioner General of Customs Fathimath Dhiyana noted that the AEO framework is active in 89 countries and structured in three tiers—Silver, Gold, and Platinum—each offering greater benefits based on compliance and participation duration.

Hussain Hameed said the certification reflects the resort’s commitment to compliance and transparency, adding that other resorts under the same management are expected to join the programme soon.

AEO-certified companies enjoy privileges such as automated declaration assessments, faster goods clearance, and priority access to services like advance rulings and documentation. Customs may also conduct on-site inspections, provided the company has infrastructure such as security cameras, access controls, boundary walls, and scanning facilities.

The programme, aligned with the World Customs Organization (WCO) framework, is open to businesses of any size with at least five years of uninterrupted import or export activity and a strong compliance record.