Tax and SARS knowledge base
How do I complete the AEO sufficient-knowledge competency assessment?
What must a customs trader do before its nominated person writes the AEO competency assessment?
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Direct answer
An eligible trader seeking Authorised Economic Operator status must follow the current SARS process to register, nominate a suitable person and book the assessment. Preparation should use the external Customs policies that SARS identifies as study material.
The assessment certificate supports the sufficient-knowledge criterion. It does not by itself grant AEO status because the applicant must meet the wider accreditation requirements.
What this means in practice
Nominate someone who works with the trader's actual customs controls and can maintain that knowledge after accreditation. Passing through memorisation alone does not create an effective compliance system.
Keep booking and identity details consistent with the registered trader and nominated employee.
Step-by-step
- Confirm that the business is registered or licensed for an eligible Customs activity.
- Review the current AEO criteria and assessment guide.
- Select and formally nominate the assessment candidate.
- Register and book using the prescribed SARS process.
- Study the listed current external policies.
- Complete the assessment under the stated controls.
- Retain the result or certificate with the AEO application file.
- Address the wider governance, records and security criteria separately.
Documents and records to keep
- Customs registration or licence.
- Candidate nomination and booking.
- Current study-policy list.
- Assessment result or certificate.
- AEO application and compliance-system file.
Important limits and exceptions
Do not confuse the current AEO assessment with older Customs Sufficient Knowledge material that SARS says is on hold for the new Customs Acts.
A passing result does not excuse later control failures or replace ongoing staff training.
When to get tailored advice
Get customs advice where the trader's eligible activity, nominee or wider AEO control framework is uncertain.