Nippon Express (Nederland) becomes first Japanese company in Europe to receive AEO certification

Nippon Express (Nederland) B.V. ("NEN"; President: Kyoe Otsubo), a subsidiary of Nippon Express Co., Ltd. (President: Masanori Kawai), is pleased to announce that Dutch Customs has approved its application for AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) status, making NEN the first Japanese company in Europe to be so recognized.

Europe's AEO system offers preferential treatment in customs procedures to logistics companies within the EU acknowledged to have excellent compliance records. Following the preparation of guidelines by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in June 2006, the EU established its own AEO regulations. With the aim of implementing these regulations from January 2008, EU members have been putting into place the necessary legal infrastructure within their respective countries.

Customs authorities in the Netherlands, a key hub for ground, sea and air logistics in Europe, have managed to introduce the AEO system ahead of the other EU member countries. Having met the certification criteria and submitted an application, NEN has become the first Japanese company granted AEO status by Dutch Customs. In accordance with EU regulations, NEN will receive preferential treatment - e.g., reduced screening/inspection rates and simplified import/export declarations - not only in the Netherlands but in all EU member countries. This will enable Nippon Express to respond to progressing globalization and meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of customers all the more promptly and smoothly.

Nippon Express pledges to continue adjusting to rapid changes in the external environment, including systemic changes driven by economic globalization, and providing high-quality logistics services.