What is Authorised Economic Operator Accreditation (AEO)?
The AEO programme is primarily a trade facilitation measure. Operators established in the EU, that meet specific qualifying criteria, may apply for and receive AEO certification. The aim of the AEO programme is to enhance security through granting recognition to reliable operators and encouraging best practice at all levels in the international supply chain.
AEO is now rapidly being considered a ‘must-have’ capability by customers, leaving any organisation who has not achieved accreditation in danger of being omitted from future tender lists.

Who can apply?
Application for AEO status is open to all economic operators established within the customs territory of the EU. Article 1 of Regulation 1875/2006 defines an economic operator as "a person who in the course of his business, is involved in activities covered by customs legislation".

In accordance with Article 4 of the Customs Code, the definition of a 'person' is as follows:

  • A natural person;
  • A legal person;
  • Where the possibility is provided for under the rules in force, an association of persons recognised as having the legal capacity to perform legal acts but lacking the legal status of a legal person.

If a person is not directly involved in importing/exporting s/he may not be an economic operator as defined in the regulation. Application for AEO status will be open to all links in the global supply chain, i.e.: manufacturers, exporters, freight forwarders, warehouse-keepers, clearance agents, carriers and importers.



Benefits of AEO
  1. AEOs will be recognised worldwide as safe, secure and compliant business partners in international trade
  2. AEOs will be given a lower risk score in risk analysis systems when profiling
  3. If physical controls are to be conducted AEOs will be given priority treatment
  4. Mutual recognition of AEO programmes under Joint Customs Co-operation Agreements could result in faster movement of their goods through third country borders
  5. Reduced data sets for entry and exit summary declarations – only for AEO safety and security
  6. AEOs will be in a stronger position to benefit from simplified procedures
  7. AEOs may not be required to provide financial security for some customs procedures, e.g. Inward Processing or Customs Warehousing
  8. AEOs may find it easier to qualify for a transit guarantee waiver as gaining AEO status fulfils some of the conditions required to receive a guarantee waiver
  9. Ability to answer tenders from international companies with AEO specification

As a consequence of increasing their safety and security standards, traders may also benefit from the following:

  1. Reduced theft and losses
  2. Fewer delayed shipments
  3. Improved planning
  4. Improved customer loyalty
  5. Reduced security and safety incidents
  6. Reduced crime and vandalism
  7. Improved security and communication between supply chain partners
How to Apply?
If your organisation is considering accreditation, you can contact Analytiqa to discuss how your organisation can gain AEO accreditation. 

Analytiqa can assist as a qualified and independent advisor with core expertise and market insight across the global supply chain providing complete support for your AEO accreditation application, end to end.  

Contact:
Conor Anderson
01 6401818

For further information go to www.analytiqa.com/AEO


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