Your AEO authorization (Authorized Economic Operator) authorization

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status is a valuable recognition granted to businesses involved in cross-border trade within the European Union (EU). Whether you’re an SME or a multinational, obtaining AEO status demonstrates that your customs procedures and supply chain security meet high European and international standards.

This certification not only enhances your credibility with customs authorities and business partners, but also allows you to benefit from simplified procedures and a faster customs clearance process. It’s a proactive way to assess, structure, and strengthen your internal processes related to customs and security.

Curious about how to get started, what the requirements are, and what the long-term advantages look like? You’re in the right place. We would be delighted to accompany you on this journey.

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Autorisation OEA

What is an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)?

Definition of AEO

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status is a certification granted to businesses operating within the European Union’s customs territory that are actively involved in international trade. It recognizes companies that demonstrate strong compliance with customs regulations and high standards in supply chain security.

Launched in 2008 as part of the EU’s commitment to secure and streamline international trade, the AEO programme aligns with the principles set by the World Customs Organization. It applies to a wide range of operators, including manufacturers, exporters, importers, freight forwarders, warehouse managers, customs agents, carriers, and logistics providers.

Types of AEO Certification

European regulations provide for three types of certificates:

  • AEO “Customs”: AEO C (Customs simplifications) : Designed for businesses that want to streamline their customs procedures. This certification allows for: 
    • Simplified declarations and authorisations
    • Reduced guarantees
    • Faster processing of goods and fewer inspections
    • Reuse of data across procedures
    • Commonly used by customs representatives and businesses not directly handling the physical movement of goods. 
  • AEO “Security/Safety”: AEO S (Safety and security) : Focused on supply chain security, AEOS certification is granted to companies that meet strict safety protocols. Benefits include:
    • Fewer customs checks
    • Advance notification of inspections
    • Recognition by non-EU customs authorities
    • Greater trust when operating internationally
    • Often sought after by logistics providers, freight forwarders, and warehouse operators. 
  • AEO “Customs – Security/Safety”: AEO F (a combination of C and S certification) – Full Certification : Combines the advantages of both AEOC and AEOS, offering the most complete AEO profile. Companies with full certification benefit from both streamlined customs processes and heightened security recognition across borders.

What are the benefits of AEO authorization?

The AEO authorization allows any company established within the European Union (EU) with import/export operations (SME or large company) to acquire a quality label on the customs and security-security processes it implements.

Issued by the French customs authorities, the AEO authorization is recognized throughout the EU and in countries that have signed mutual recognition agreements (China and the United States in particular). AEO authorisations are granted on the basis of the criteria set out in Articles 39 a) to e) of the Union Customs Code (UCC).

The advantages of the Authorized Economic Operator status are numerous :

  • This status gives you easier access to customs authorizations such as the Authorized Exporter or to various customs procedures (such as inward or outward processing, which are very useful if you wish to limit the impact of the Brexit on your cross-Channel operations).
  • Moreover, the approach is structuring for the company as it requires a review of all the processes of the logistics and customs declaration chain, in the same way as a customs audit.
  • The AEO certification process allows you to evaluate and then control your customs and security processes.
  • Simplification of customs procedures: fewer physical and administrative checks, saving time and money.
  • Advance notification and priority processing in the event of a customs inspection.
  • Improved planning and relationships with customs and government authorities.
  • Reduction in theft, losses, costs, and delayed shipments.
  • Enhanced customer service.

 

Why applying for AEO status?

The use of AEO status is strongly encouraged by the customs administration itself. It is a label of confidence awarded to operators that it recognises as being reliable.

Competitive advantages

In commercial relations, holding an AEO authorization facilitates trade with countries that are parties to international agreements recognizing the status of reliable AEO operator. This provides a real competitive advantage if you trade with American, Chinese or European counterparts.

Once the AEO authorization has been obtained, a relationship of trust is established with customs, which becomes the company’s partner. It gives the company access to facilitations and simplifies the granting of customs authorizations.

In addition to the benefits granted by the status, the certification process will give you an overview of your company’s customs function and allow you to assess risk points, improvements and opportunities to secure and optimise your customs function.

AEO and Organizations management

AEO is Lean Management applied to customs!

Too few companies have already been through this AEO certification process, even though they allow for a better communication.
between employees (acounting / logistics / commercial functions) and the implementation or improvement of readability and internal control tools.

Where to apply for AEO status?

The AEO application must be submitted to the customs authority of the EU Member State where the company’s main customs-related accounts are kept or accessible, and where some relevant activities take place.

If this cannot be clearly determined, the competent authority will be:

  • the one responsible for the location of the applicant’s administrative headquarters, or
  • the place where the company has a permanent business presence and where logistical records are maintained. 

👉 The choice of Member State is not up to the applicant.
 If the application is submitted to the wrong authority, it will be rejected.

How do you apply for your AEO status?

Never too early, never too late: AEO, get set, go! Any company established in the EU and involved in international supply chains can apply for AEO status. To qualify, businesses must meet a set of rigorous criteria:

 

Compliance with customs legislation and taxation rules and absence of criminal offences related to the economic activity

 

Appropriate record keeping : Commercial and customs records must be kept accurately and consistently. A proven ability to manage these records effectively is essential to demonstrate transparency and traceability in the company’s operations.

 

Financial solvency : Financial solvency reflects a company’s stability and long-term reliability. Customs authorities evaluate the financial standing of applicants to ensure they are capable of maintaining operations and fulfilling their tax and customs obligations over time.

 

Provence practical standards of competence or professional qualifications : Companies must show a strong level of expertise, with in-depth knowledge of customs procedures and properly trained staff involved in managing these operations.

 

Appropriate security and safety mesure : Companies are required to put in place robust measures that ensure the security and integrity of goods at every stage of the supply chain. These measures should be both effective and appropriately scaled to the level of risk, providing strong protection against potential threats or disruptions.

 

FISCALEAD assists you in the preparation, implementation and follow-up of your application for AEO status.

01

File creation

In a structured approach, we follow the self-assessment questionnaire as foreseen by the European Commission. We prepare valid, accurate and convincing answers for the purpose of obtaining the certification.

02

Restitution of key points

We will provide you with a report highlighting the areas of risks and remediation actions as well as the customs opportunities we have identified.

03

Assistance during the AEO audit performed by customs authorities

We prepare you for the initial audit performed by the customs administration, taking into account the points of attention raised during the mission, and can be there with you, if you wish, during the audit.

Get high end support

For any question or budget request, contact us.
We assure you of an answer within a maximum of 48 working hours.

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FISCALEAD

Founded by Marcie REYNO-DALLE and Alexandra LOUYOT, FISCALEAD provides operational assistance in indirect taxation: Customs, Excise and VAT. With many years’ experiences in both big 4 law firms and in-house, our team is experienced in a wide range of international business models, industries, and supply chains.

Committed to listening to your operational needs, we put our technical expertise at the service of your logistical, IT and HR realities.

Whether you call on our tax reporting or operational advisory services, our obsession is to ensure that indirect taxation is no longer a barrier for your business but opens up new opportunities for you.

Our added value? In an increasingly globalised and digitalised world, at FISCALEAD expertise is a priority, and technology a necessity – without ever being dissociated. Come and meet us!

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We work with a number of firms that we have partnered with.

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We monitor European tax and customs matters for our customers and run technical and practical workshops, webinars and training courses.

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Over 15 years' experience in indirect tax management: Customs, Excise, VAT.

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