Your AEO authorisation in brief
If your organisation participates in international trade, you can apply for Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status at Customs.
The AEO concept is based on the 'Customs-to-Business partnership' developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO). The starting point for this is close cooperation between organisations and Customs. Their common goal is to increase the safety of the international logistics chain. Together with AEO, Customs also aims to improve the facilitation of legal trade flows.
For businesses in international trade, the AEO authorisation is increasingly a necessity. In addition, the AEO authorisation is becoming more and more important as a quality label. In this way, organisations can demonstrate that they are part of a safe logistics chain.
There are 2 kinds of AEO authorisations
- the AEO Security and Safety authorisation (AEO-S)
- the AEO Customs Simplifications authorisation (AEO-C)
Within the EU, the AEO concept has existed since 2008. Since the introduction of the Union Customs Code (UCC) in 2016, there have been 2 AEO certificates. You can combine them and apply for both certificates. The AEO certificates are valid in all EU member states.
Advantages of having a AEO authorisation
Important advantages of an AEO authorisation include:
- reduced controls
- priority if you have been selected for an inspection
- a choice of the location of the inspection
- an advance notification upon selection for inspection
- mutual recognition in relation to third countries (in the event of the AEO-S)
The advantages differ per authorisation. The most suitable authorisation for your organisation depends, among other things, on:
- the nature of your organisation
- your organisation’s goods package
- your role in the logistics chain
