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AEO, Authorised Economic Operator

Authorised Economic Operator, AEO, is a joint EU certification programme, designed to increase the security in the world as well as to harmonise the customs related operations within the EU and make them more efficient.
The AEO status is valid in all EU Member States. Every business, regardless of size, forming part of the international supply chain can apply to become an AEO. This applies to manufacturers, exporters, freight forwarders, warehouse keepers, customs agents, carriers and importers.

To obtain AEO status, businesses within the EU can apply for one of the following certificates:

  • Customs simplifications
  • Security and safety
  • The joint certificate Customs simplifications/Security and safety

Why should I apply for an AEO certificate?
The AEO status serves as a mark of good quality and security for you and your business partners. It also gives you access to certain simplifications, which in turn will make your goods flows faster and more secure.

The benefits of having AEO status are for example:

  • lower risk that your flow of goods into and out of the EU will be stopped for examination
  • possibility to request a specific place for customs checks
  • facilitations in the form of a reduced number of data that you need to provide in the summary declarations that will be introduced 1 July 2009
  • easier access to authorizations and permits
  • a specially appointed customs support, serving as your initial point of contact with Customs

When you certify your procedures for security and/or customs management, you can also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation against Customs Related Crime. Through the MoU agreement, you help us in our efforts to combat and prevent smuggling and other illegal activities. The AEO status signals that your business takes responsibility for the protection of both goods flows and society, and it strengthens your trademark at the same time.
 
How do I apply?
When you choose to apply for an AEO certificate, you should first carry out a quality assessment of your procedures in accordance with Guidelines for Certification. To become certified with us is free of charge. You quality assess all your customs and/or safety procedures by making sure that they are well documented. The procedures should also be well known within your company. We issue your certificate after having audited and accepted your business activities and your procedures.

Do you want to know more about AEO?
Do you wish to become an AEO?

Further information
Cooperation against Customs Related Crime
Customs Security Amendment, European Customs Information Portalexternal link