Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)

Benefits of Authorised Economic Operator status

The main benefits of obtaining Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status are:

  • Reduced logistics costs. By cutting clearance times, the costs associated with delays at ports, warehouses and during transport are reduced, thereby optimising logistics processes.
  • Streamlines the international logistics chain: AEOs benefit from more efficient and simplified customs procedures. This reduces clearance times at borders and minimises delays in the clearance of goods.
  • Fewer customs checks. The company is subject to fewer physical and documentary inspections, as it has demonstrated a high level of security (in the supply chain and information security) and regulatory compliance.
  • Priority in customs controls. Goods requiring inspection, where AEOs benefit from customs simplifications and security measures, take priority over other operators. This enables faster customs clearance.
  • International Recognition: AEOs can benefit from mutual recognition agreements with other countries, which facilitates international trade by granting them preferential treatment in those countries.
  • Reputation and credibility. AEO companies are perceived as reliable and trustworthy trading partners within the logistics chain, particularly regarding customs simplifications and security. This enhances their reputation with customers and suppliers.
  • Improved management, risk management and security. Being an Authorised Economic Operator improves financial results (gross margin and profit). Furthermore, AEO requirements are easy to integrate with management systems such as ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, ISO 27001 for information security, ISO 39001 for road safety, or ISO 28001 for supply chain security, etc.

Authorised Economic Operator requirements

The requirements that must be met by operators applying for Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status in relation to security and/or customs procedures are organised into the following five sections:

  • Section I – Company Information. The AEO status application process requires a review of all information relating to the company, its partners and its customs procedures.
  • Section II – Compliance History. Verification of the existence of accurate records of customs compliance.
  • Section III – Company Accounting and Logistics Systems. Demonstration of the existence of adequate control systems, established within the IT system for both financial and logistics matters.
  • Section IV – Financial Solvency. Authorised Economic Operator status involves an analysis of balance sheets and annual accounts demonstrating financial solvency over the last three financial years.
  • Section V – Physical Security Requirements. Identification of physical security risks and the Company’s control of the logistics chain. The requirements of ISO 27001 and ISO 28001 are taken into account.

AEO Consultancy

We are your AEO consultancy, offering a comprehensive service:

  • AEO certification consultancy to help you achieve Authorised Economic Operator status for customs simplifications or security.
  • Internal AEO audit on customs simplifications and/or security. Essential for keeping up to date with AEO requirements.
  • AEO training for the AEO Manager or to raise awareness among relevant staff.
  • International Trade consultancy to implement tools related to international trade.

FAQs relating to the AEO

The FAQs relating to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) are:
What is an Authorised Economic Operator?

The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certificate is issued by Customs. It requires companies to meet certain security and control requirements in their international trade operations.

The AEO Statute aims to ensure that companies involved in the international logistics chain meet standards of trust and security relating to both information (ISO 27001) and goods (ISO 28001), thereby facilitating trade and reducing risks such as smuggling, fraud or terrorism.

The main benefits for a company that is an AEO are:

  • Trust and Security: It demonstrates that its procedures are secure and that it has control over its logistics and customs operations.
  • Facilitates Trade: AEOs can benefit from certain advantages, such as faster customs clearance, fewer physical inspections, priority in customs checks and access to certain fast-track lanes at borders.
  • International Recognition: Many countries have established mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) so that authorised economic operators in one country can also be recognised as trustworthy in other countries.
  • Regulatory Compliance: The company must comply with all customs, tax and security regulations and demonstrate a track record of adequate compliance.

Even if there are no follow-up audits, Customs may carry out an AEO reassessment at any time. To ensure you pass it successfully, we recommend:

  • Adhering to and maintaining the management system. This involves updating the various procedures and records related to the AEO scheme. We can assist you with our AEO outsourcing service.
  • Conducting an internal AEO audit to verify that we are complying with the various requirements of the Authorised Economic Operator Statute.
  • Providing ongoing AEO training to the relevant staff to maintain their AEO skills and awareness.
  • Monitoring regulatory compliance to demonstrate a track record of adequate compliance.

The Authorised Economic Operator requirements can be integrated into your ISO certificate. With our ISO outsourcing service, we can help you maintain both ISO and AEO compliance simultaneously.

Trust & Check will replace the AEO scheme. Its main purpose remains the same.

Some of the links related to AEO are:

  • WCO – World Customs Organisation
  • CTPAT – Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT website)
  • TAPA – Transported Asset Protection Association Trust & Check – Blog
  • AEO Consultancy – EmasConsultors