AEO certificate

AEO certification consultancy

As AEO consultants, we ensure that AEO certification is achieved through an internal AEO audit, following these steps:
Analysis of compliance with customs requirements
The AEO certificate requires a system for managing commercial and transport records, enabling the Authorised Economic Operator to demonstrate efficient control of customs procedures and supply chain security.
We analyse your financial ratios to give Customs the confidence it needs to meet AEO requirements and achieve AEO status.
The AEO requirements relate to customs clearance, supply chain security and AEO training. We verify that these have been implemented effectively and efficiently through an internal AEO audit.

We help your company obtain AEO certification by conducting an internal AEO audit and ensuring that the AEO questionnaire is completed. We analyse each section, prepare supporting documentation and address customs, security and compliance requirements, facilitating a streamlined process that offers a greater likelihood of success in achieving AEO certification.

During the internal AEO audit, we assist you in completing the “AEO questionnaire” to apply for Authorised Economic Operator status and provide support during the audits carried out by Customs (AEAT).

With our AEO outsourcing, AEO audit and AEO training services, we help you demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement in your security processes (such as through ISO 28001) and regulatory compliance, which may include the adoption of new technologies or improvements to security procedures, in accordance with ISO 27001 or ENS.

Authorised Economic Operator success stories

As AEO consultants, we have extensive experience in implementing and processing the AEO requirements for Authorised Economic Operator status for all types of companies involved in the logistics chain. These include:
Freight forwarders and customs agents

Some of our AEO-certified customs partners among freight forwarders and customs agents include: MAITSA (Metropolitana de Aduanas y Transportes), GV Sea Freight (a freight forwarder specialising in hanging garments), Aduanas Cerdà, Aduanas Fornesa and Gallart Aduanas (in La Farga de Moles), World Freight and PIVESA (in La Jonquera), Partida Aduanas – Partida Logistics (in Algeciras) or Cargojet, Planet Air Cargo or Hijas de José Otín in Barcelona.

Some of the transport companies for which we have processed the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status for customs and security simplifications are: Transportes Calsina Carré, NaGrup Hispania, TransBarcelona, Tradinsa and HAVI Logistics.

We also have experience with yachting companies such as P&G Yachting, Pinmar in Palma de Mallorca and BWA Yachting in Barcelona.

We have worked with all kinds of logistics companies, such as Kuenhe Nagel and CEMESA (full-service logistics companies), RELISA and DECAL (storage of liquids and flammable products), Tradisa Logic Auto (car transport) and Illaexport and AGSA (small logistics companies)
We have experience in handling AEO applications for companies with factory-based operations, such as B. Braun (B. Braun Medical, Surgical and Vetcare), the Werfern Group and LIPSA (Lipidos Santiga).
Some of the shipping companies and freight forwarders we have helped to obtain and maintain AEO status include CEMESA, Servicios Logísticos y Marítimos, Kuehne Nagel, and Coma y Ribas.
We operate throughout Spain (including Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Bilbao, Algeciras, Andorra, Mallorca and the Canary Islands)

Benefits of AEO certification

The main advantages of holding ‘Authorised Economic Operator’ (AEO) status or AEO certification are:

  • Trust and security within the logistics chain, particularly in dealings with Customs. AEO certification implies international recognition, linked to legitimate trade.
  • AEO status streamlines procedures with Customs. It entails fewer physical and documentary checks. You will also have priority in inspections; centralised clearance; greater ease for the AEO to operate a customs warehouse; access to simplified customs procedures; summary declarations, etc. Our AEO consultancy helps you achieve these benefits.
  • Improve the management and operations of your business with AEO certification. The tools provided by the AEO Statute improve results (gross margin and profit).

FAQs on AEO certification

What is an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)?
The AEO certificate is a certification issued by Customs. It means that companies meet high standards in their logistics and customs processes, in line with ISO 27001 or ISO 28001, and that they work with customs authorities to improve security in the international supply chain. For more information, see ‘What is an AEO?’.

Any organisation involved in the international logistics chain can become an Authorised Economic Operator: manufacturers, exporters, carriers, freight forwarders, customs agents or customs representatives, warehouse operators or importers.

Any of these may hold one of the AEO certificate types: ‘Customs Simplifications’, ‘Security and Safety’, and ‘Customs Simplifications and Security’. To do so, they must comply with the guidelines for Authorised Economic Operators.

Some of the benefits of holding Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status are:

  • Recognition from customers involved in international trade. AEO status means greater security in transport and the supply chain, as well as fewer delays in shipments.
  • Fewer physical and documentary inspections and checks of goods at customs.
  • Smoother and faster customs procedures. With AEO certification, you receive priority treatment/priority clearance for consignments selected for inspection.
  • Access to mutual recognition agreements for AEO status with other countries. The AEO certificate is recognised in many countries.
  • Enhanced reputation and credibility with customers and in international trade, leading to better customer service and loyalty.
  • Reduced administrative burden. It facilitates access to the Centralised National Clearance System and faster access to other customs authorisations.

To become an AEO, you must follow this process:

  • Submit an application to the customs authority.
  • Undergo an audit and process review.
  • Implement security measures throughout the supply chain. This involves providing AEO training to relevant staff and conducting an internal AEO audit.
  • Receive certification upon approval. You will then be able to enjoy all the benefits of being an Authorised Economic Operator.

With our AEO consultancy, we assist you throughout the entire process of obtaining and maintaining AEO status.

Some of the AEO requirements for becoming an Authorised Economic Operator are:

  • Compliance with customs regulations. Of particular note is compliance with the CAU and the provisions implementing the CAU.
  • Maintaining a positive track record of compliance with customs requirements. Ensuring the security of the supply chain, in terms of both information security and chain of custody. Although not mandatory, ISO 27001 and ISO 28001 can serve as useful benchmarks.
  • Having adequate internal controls and risk management systems. This is typically achieved through a management system that undergoes an internal AEO audit to ensure requirements are met effectively and efficiently.

An AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) is responsible for:

  • Maintaining security requirements throughout the supply chain and ensuring compliance with customs procedures. An example of this is the recording of customs irregularities.
  • Collaborating with Customs on the continuous improvement of security processes.
  • Reporting any changes that may affect their AEO certification.

To ensure that AEO responsibilities are met, we recommend conducting a periodic internal AEO audit.

Requirements for becoming an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and obtaining AEO certification:

  • Regulatory compliance and financial soundness: the company must have a clean record with no serious penalties, demonstrate financial stability and the ability to meet its customs obligations.
  • Document management and customs control: have an effective system for commercial and transport records that ensures traceability and transparency.
  • Professional competence: have staff qualified in foreign trade, customs and security, with up-to-date training (for example, through an AEO course).
  • Supply chain security: implement physical, IT and logistical measures to ensure the protection of goods and the reliability of operations.
The Trust & Check scheme (Trusted Operator for Control) is a new European customs framework designed to enhance security, traceability and digitalisation in international trade. Based on the AEO model, it enables companies with a high level of compliance to benefit from simplified clearance procedures, self-monitoring of goods and reduced supervision, thereby boosting efficiency and competitiveness within the new European customs system.