Innahura Maldives Becomes Country’s First Authorised Economic Operator

Innahura Maldives Resort has been certified as the Maldives’ first Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to streamline trade and encourage compliance with customs regulations.

The AEO certificate was officially presented to the resort during a ceremony held on 15 July at the Maldives Customs Service headquarters. State Minister for Economic Development and Trade, Abdullah Siyaz, awarded the certificate to Al-Faalil Hussein Hameed, Manager of Innahura Maldives’ Malé office.

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Speaking at the event, State Minister Siyaz described the launch of the AEO programme as a major milestone in facilitating trade in the Maldives. He commended Maldives Customs for its ongoing work in creating a business-friendly environment through improved regulatory frameworks.

Commissioner General of Customs, Fatimath Dhiyana, provided further insight into the structure of the programme, which is currently implemented in 89 countries worldwide. She noted that the Maldives’ version of the AEO programme includes three tiers; Silver, Gold, and Platinum; each offering different levels of benefits based on the compliance record and tenure of the participant.

Innahura Maldives, as the first certified AEO, will now receive priority services, including automated declaration assessments, expedited inspection and clearance processes, and streamlined access to key documents such as origin certificates and advance rulings.

In his remarks, Al-Fadhil Hussein Hameed stated that the achievement reflects Innahura’s long-standing commitment to integrity and regulatory compliance. He emphasised that becoming the first AEO in the country brings with it both honour and responsibility. He also confirmed that other resorts operated under the same group intend to apply for the programme in the near future.

The Maldives Authorised Economic Operator programme is a national initiative designed to recognise and support businesses, large and small, that consistently comply with customs, import, and export regulations. Eligibility requires a minimum of five uninterrupted years of trading activity, but the programme is open to qualified small and medium-sized enterprises as well.