Breadcrumb Home Everything You Need to Know About Getting AEO Certified Everything You Need to Know About Getting AEO Certified 24/11/2021 Marloes Willems Customs Consultant AEO Certificate AEO stands for Authorized Economic Operator. It is a concept that the EU established in 2008. The main goals are increasing international supply chain security and facilitating legitimate trade. It means that the company in question works in compliance with standards that are set out by the World Customs Organization. Authorised Economic Operators include, among others, manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, consolidators, intermediaries, ports, airports, terminal operators, integrated operators, warehouses and distributors. Being part of a supply chain with authorized economic operators means being part of a reliable supply chain. For more and more companies it is becoming a requirement rather than a preference. Companies that want to become Authorized Economic Operators have to meet a wide range of criteria. They have to comply with customs legislation and taxation rules. They can’t have a criminal history related to their business. They need to keep appropriate records and be financially solvent. Their processes and documents are audited and approved by their local Customs Authority before becoming AEO Certified. Different Levels of AEO Certification AEO-Security: when a company is AEO S certified, it operates up to the highest standards for safety and security. Auditors look at both internal security processes and any audits that third parties like ISO have done. The benefits of an AEO S certification are: Less physical checks and fewer documentation checks Priority treatment in case of checks On request, the Customs Authority can do checks on specific locations Advance notification in case of checks Recognition of AEO certification by non-EU countries AEO S is most used by logistics providers that offer transportation and storage. AEO- Customs: AEO C certification is aimed at customs procedures. The benefits of an AEO C certification are: Less physical checks and fewer documentation checks Priority treatment in case of checks On request, the Customs Authority can do checks on specific locations Simplified customs procedures Advance notification in case of checks Re-use of research data in simplified procedures Lower collateral AEO C is mainly used by customs agents who are not in physiscal possesion of the goods. AEO-Full: an AEO F certification is the most elaborate AEO certification and combines AEO S and AEO C. How to get AEO Certified? Getting AEO certified takes a lot of time and effort. Getting AEO F certified takes six to twelve months. Whether you want AEO S, C, or F, here are some factors that influence the speed of the process: The type of goods Your role in the supply chain Internal commitment Knowledge about and experience with customs related procedures Well documented processes Proper IT infrastructure Clear contract and SLA with third parties External certifications like ISO, ELA, etc. Preparations Before Applying for AEO certification Before applying for AEO certification, you must make sure your organisation meets the minimum requirements for an AEO Certification. You will not be able to get AEO certified if these requirements aren’t met at the start of the application process: customs and tax compliance, no economic offences committed, financial solvency or a financial guarantor. There are several things you should take care of prior to the application process: Determine which AEO Certificate is needed: AEO C, S or F An EORI number Get all involved departments on board: Finance IT Operations (linked to customs) Customs Department External Partners How Customs Support Can Help You Get Certified Our highly experienced specialists can help you get AEO Certified, whether that’s AEO Safety, AEO Customs, or AEO Full. We can help you with specific steps or assist in the complete certification process. Steps in the process where we can help: Make an assessment of your current organisation and processes based on the AEO Self Assessment questionnaire. Assess your current processes and procedures and improve and enhance them if needed Create new customs processes and procedures Complete the AEO Self Assessment questionnaire. Apply for the AEO Certification Once submitted, the application is assessed and reviewed by the Customs Authority. If everything is approved, you will receive your AEO Certification in up to 120 days from the moment the application is submitted. If you have any questions about getting AEO Certified, if you need support with your application, or if you need support with an AEO audit, contact one of our specialists. They are happy to help and take the load off your mind. News The benefits of an AEO certified Customs Agent Customs Support Group is AEO Certified.&#13; AEO stands for Authorized Economic Operator. It is a concept that has been established by the EU in 2008. The main goals are... Read more News What exporters need to know about Dual-Use Goods As an exporter or a service provider to an exporter, you are asked to provide a written declaration that states whether your shipment contains dual-use or military goods. Read more News Upcoming Changes to the Harmonised System per 2022: What You Need to Know Determination of the customs classification for goods is essential to ensure that goods are correctly classified according to the harmonised system used worldwide. Read more Quick Links Need customs expertise? Our locations Cookies Privacy Statement Keep me informed Leave your email address and we will keep you informed of all customs-related news Connect with us Like most sites we use cookies, by continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Click here to see Our Privacy statement and our cookie statement explained. Ok No, thanks