FORTH Ports, one of the UK’s largest port groups, has been awarded an internationally recognised quality mark.

The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) – issued by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) – has been awarded to the group for its major ports on the River Forth. The accreditation recognises that the customs controls and procedures at the ports are efficient and compliant and most importantly, secure.

The ports of Grangemouth, Leith and Rosyth are the first ports in Scotland to receive full AEO status for security and customs simplification processes. The accreditation follows a full site audit at the ports by the HMRC.

The Port of Tilbury, London’s major port which is also owned by Forth Ports, received an AEO award in the spring last year.

Chief operating officer, Stuart Wallace, said: “We have always provided an efficient and secure process at our ports, but this accreditation also gives our many customers the reassurance that we have robust processes in place.”