Prestigious internationally recognized certification confirms high levels of legal and operational compliance
CEAT Kelani Holdings has been granted Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Tier I status by Sri Lanka Customs in recognition of high levels of legal and operational compliance and strong supply chain security.
The AEO certification is internationally recognised and provides the company, a significant exporter of rubber tyres from Sri Lanka, enhanced trade facilitation with partners and authorities globally.
The upgrade of CEAT Kelani’s ‘Green Channel/Fast Track’ status to AEO status will confer on the company benefits such as expedited Customs clearance processes, reduced inspections, enhanced security measures and many other facilities framed in the programme. The prestigious AEO certification also enables CEAT Kelani to contribute to the integrity and security of the global supply chain.
For the purpose of granting AEO Tier I status, the Sri Lanka Customs conducted a comprehensive and transparent validation process, during which CEAT Kelani demonstrated full compliance with all the required criteria.
“We have always enforced rigid compliance with all regulatory and ethical requirements in every aspect of our operations, and the AEO Tier I certification of Sri Lanka Customs is an invaluable endorsement of that compliance,” CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Mr Shamal Gunawardene said. “The AEO programme further enhances our cooperative relationship with the Customs authorities and our trusted trade partners, ensuring continuous and enhanced facilitation.”
The AEO Agreement with Sri Lanka Customs was signed on behalf of CEAT Kelani by the company’s Managing Director and CEO Mr Ravi Dadlani.
The CEAT brand originated in Italy 100 years ago and is now present is 110 countries, backed by extensive research and testing facilities in India and Germany. CEAT entered Sri Lanka in 1992, following the formation of a joint venture between CEAT India and Associated Motorways (AMW). The partnership later expanded to include Kelani Tyres (Pvt) Limited. In 2010, AMW exited the venture and CEAT India and Kelani Tyres (Pvt) Limited continued the partnership as a 50:50 joint venture.
The CEAT Kelani joint venture’s cumulative investment in Sri Lanka over the past decade alone exceeds Rs 8.5 billion, and CEAT Kelani currently manufactures nearly half of the country’s pneumatic tyre requirements. About 20% of the production of the joint venture is exported.
