(1) The following persons may apply to the Commissioner-General to be registered as Authorised Economic Operators:
(a) a manufacturer;
(b) an exporter;
(c) a freight forwarder;
(d) a warehouse keeper or other storage facilities operator;
(e) a customs agent;
(f) a carrier;
(g) an importer;
(h) a consolidator;
(i) an intermediary;
(j) a port operator;
(k) an airport operator;
(l) a courier service operator;
(m) a terminal operator; and
(n) any other person required to be registered.
(2) A person shall not be registered as an Authorised Economic Operator unless that person
(a) has a registered business in the country and has been engaged in a customs related business for a continuous period of at least three years prior to the application;
(b) has filed tax returns in accordance with the relevant laws;
(c) has complied with the customs and other tax laws;
(d) is financially solvent;
(e) has audited accounts covering the three years immediately preceding the date of the application for registration; and
(f) has provided a Tax Identification Number.
(3) A person who desires to be registered as an Authorised Economic Operator shall submit an application in the form determined by the Commissioner-General.
(4) The applicant shall provide evidence of
(a) appropriate training of the staff of the applicant with respect to safety and security standards;
(b) certification from at least one of the following regulatory bodies, where applicable:
(i) Food and Drugs Authority;
(ii) Standards Authority; or
(iii) International Standards Organisation;
(c) payment of Social Security and National Insurance Trust contributions of the employees of the applicant;
(d) provision of security and a healthy and hygienic working environment and the requisite working apparel for employees;
(e) requisite facilities protecting sensitive data and documents, and the use of appropriate construction materials to prevent unlawful entry and intrusion; and
(f) requisite resources for effective and efficient operations.
(5) The applicant shall have
(a) a computerised accounting system, secured and accessible to the Authority for the collection of information and data; and
(b) a system of internal control for archiving files, inventory management, crisis management and resumption of activities following an incident.
(6) The applicant shall complete an accurate self-assessment questionnaire and provide any other information required by the Commissioner-General.
(7) The Commissioner-General shall treat as confidential information collected under sub-regulation (5).