Home » What Is AEO?

What is the Authorised Economic

Operator (AEO) Scheme?

The Authorised Economic Operator scheme, in essence,

has derived from the UCC.
HMRC have stated their mission is to:
 Facilitate legitimate trade

 Reinforce Safety and Security

 Harmonize and standardize the application of customs

controls

 Provide an electronic environment

In part, yes, it is driven by security, i.e. anti-terrorism, smuggling, people
trafficking etc., however compliance with customs procedures and how the
company is treated by authorities is paramount.
Therefore by satisfying certain criteria a company is considered to be
reliable in their customs related operations throughout the European
Community for goods imported into or exported from the EU.

The Legal Bit

AEO is governed by European Community law. The basic law is set out in
Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 (the Customs Code) as amended by
Regulation (EC) No 648/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council
and Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 (the Implementing Provisions)
as amended by Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1875/2006.

"Targeted training showing you the route to AEO success"

 What is the criteria for applying
for AEO?
The criteria for granting AEO status are contained in Article 5(a)(2) of
Commission Regulation 2913/92.
These include but are not restricted to:

 
an appropriate record of compliance

 a satisfactory system of managing commercial and, where appropriate,
transport records, which allows appropriate customs controls
 proven financial solvency and
 appropriate security and safety standards (when you are applying for a
security and safety AEO certificate)

Who should apply for AEO?

Anyone involved in the international supply chain (those involved only in Intra EU supplies are
excluded) that carries out customs related activities in the EU can apply for AEO status irrespective
of the size of your business. This includes:

Importers A person or business that imports goods and are declared as the
importer of record when the import declaration is accepted

Exporters A person or business on whose behalf the export declaration is

made and who are the owner of the goods or have similar right of
disposal over them at the time the declaration is accepted

Warehousekeepers A person or business authorised to operate a Customs Warehouse

Manufacturers A person or business ensuring a safe and secure manufacturing

process for their products and supply of those products to their
clients
Freight forwarders Organising the transport of goods on behalf of the above

Customs agents A representative acting on behalf of the above either as a direct

representative or indirect representative

Carriers A person or business that transports goods or is in charge of or

responsible for the operation of the means of transport

Depending on the type of AEO certificate applied for and granted, these can include either easier
access to certain customs simplifications or certain facilitations from customs security and safety
controls, or both.

In a nutshell, if you currently use any of the customs procedures listed below, you’ll need to apply for
the new AEO certification