Customs Trade Solutions Consultancy

 Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)

What is AEO all about ?

AEO is a Customs quality mark which indicates that a business is a secure operator within the International Trade Supply chain and has procedures in place that are both efficient and compliant with Customs controls. 

It was introduced in 2008 and is an EU wide accreditation as the EU's response to terrorism and the need to secure international trade supply chains. 

Any business involved in the International Trade supply chain that carries out Customs related activities are eligible to apply and include manufacturers, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, customs agents, warehouse keepers and carriers (airlines, shipping lines etc).

There are three types of AEO certificate:

- Customs Simplifications

- Security & Safety

- Combined Customs Simplifications & Security & Safety

What are the benefits?

- A lower risk score with Customs and priority over non        AEO's

- Recognised status throughout the EU

- Industry kite mark and marketing tool

- Fast tracking of applications for Customs Simplifications such as Local Clearance, Simplified Declaration Procedures (Exports) etc

- Mutual recognition with USA & Japan  leading to ease of movements and less Customs intervention. Only businesses with AEO accreditation will be able to benefit.

- Further benefits when the new EU Customs Legislation comes into force ('The Modernised Customs Code').

By its very nature, AEO status implies that an operator has very high standards in the way that it goes about its business, both in terms of its internal management systems and security standards. Customs will perform an in depth audit of the traders systems before the status is granted.