The AEO certificate, an internationally recognised quality mark, demonstrates that Biotec operates an international supply chain which is secure, with customs controls and procedures which are efficient and fully compliant.

Consignments selected for customs examinations which have been shipped by Biotec, as an Authorised Economic Operator, will now be fast-tracked ahead of all non-AEO consignments, ensuring that the company’s shipments reach clinical sites as quickly as possible.

Rachel Griffiths, operations director at Biotec Services International, said, "As specialists in cold chain management we manage thousands of controlled temperature shipments each and every year, distributed from the UK to clinical sites worldwide. To have been given AEO status not only benefits Biotec, by allowing us to utilise simplified customs procedures, but it also demonstrates to our existing and potential clients, that we are recognised as a reliable and reputable team of cold chain management experts".
Airfreight security is currently governed by the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990, legislation which requires all airfreight consignments to be screened before being loaded onto an aircraft. Now recognised as a DfT Accredited Known Consignor, Biotec is permitted to ship consignments which, subject to some specified controls, can now be treated as ‘known cargo’ and will therefore not ordinarily be subject to other security vetting before being loaded onto the aircraft.

Ms Griffiths continued: "Our priority is transporting cold chain pharmaceuticals worldwide as quickly as possible. Any customs delays could risk the integrity of the medication that we handle. Therefore, the AEO and Accredited Known Consignor status’ will enhance the service that we are able to offer our clients, by significantly reducing the risk of customs delays, without ever compromising the security of the medication being handled".

Biotec Services International was established in 1997 and is a leading UK-based pharmaceutical services company, specialising in the cold chain management.