Additional tools
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)
One of the main elements of the security amendment of the Community Customs Code ( Regulation (EC) 648/2005) is the creation of the AEO concept.
On the basis of Article 5a of the security amendments, Member States can grant the AEO status to any economic operator meeting the following common criteria: customs compliance, appropriate record-keeping, financial solvency and, where relevant, security and safety standards.
The status of authorised economic operator granted by one Member State is recognised by the other Member States. This does not automatically allow them to benefit from simplifications provided for in the customs rules in the other Member States. However, other Member States should grant the use of simplifications to authorised economic operators if they meet specific requirements.
Economic operators can apply for an AEO status either to have easier access to customs simplifications or to be in a more favourable position to comply with the new security requirements. Under the security framework, which has been applicable since 1 July 2009, economic operators have to submit pre-arrival and pre-departure information on goods entering or leaving the EU. The security type of AEO certificate and the combined one allow their holders to benefit from facilitations with regard to the new customs controls relating to security.
The detailed provisions are laid down in the amendment (by Regulation 1875/2006
) of the Implementing Provisions of the Community Customs Code. These provisions were drafted on the basis of experiences from the AEO Pilot conducted in 2006. Regulation (EC) 197/2010 has established new time limits for issuing the AEO certificate
Regulation (EC) No 1192/2008 aligns the rules for granting both the AEO certificate for customs simplifications and the single authorisation for simplified procedures ( SASP). Being an AEO facilitates the process of achieving a single authorisation for simplified procedures as the relevant criteria are deemed to be met.
The AEO Guidelines
The AEO Guidelines ensure harmonised implementation of the AEO rules throughout the EU, guaranteeing the equal treatment of economic operators and transparency of the rules.
Part One of the AEO guidelines explains the AEO concept based on the adopted legislation, including:
- Explanations about the different categories of AEO;
- A specific section dedicated to Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME) with guidance on how to examine the AEO requirements if the applicant is an SME.
- A section giving advice to customs authorities on how to speed up the authorisation process;
- Guidance for both customs authorities and trade on how to facilitate the procedure for parent/subsidiary companies;
- A description of the AEO benefits with indications on the relevant AEO category and on the timeframe for the application of particular benefit;
- A complete explanation on the concept of "business partners' security".
- An explanation, with concrete examples, for determining the competent Member State where the AEO application has to be submitted.
- Guidelines for multinational companies and large businesses (pdf 119 Kb)(119 Kb)
- Guidance on how to perform monitoring after an AEO certificate has been issued.
Part Two contains the questionnaire, providing a list of points to assist both customs authorities and AEO applicants in assessing whether or not the AEO criteria are met.
For further information see:
AEO Pilot Report (pdf 388 Kb)(388 Kb) ,
AEO guidelines (pdf 974 Kb)(974 Kb) , and
AEO COMPACT Model (pdf 89 Kb)(89 Kb) .
Where to submit the AEO application:
Economic operators who wish to apply for AEO status should apply to an AEO competent customs authority. The competent customs authority informs all Member States by uploading the application in the AEO system. This computerised system allows customs authorities to upload AEO applications and certificates, to exchange information and to consult another Member State when required by legislation.
Contact points:
For further information related to specific EU Member States please contact the appointed contact points in the Member States' customs authorities (pdf 51 Kb)(51 Kb) .
In order to support the introduction of the AEO rules a network has been set up between the Member States' customs authorities and European Commission experts (Directorate General for Taxation and Customs Union). The network meets on regular basis every three months.
Commission Recommended Model on AEO Self-Assessment:
This document is a practical tool to enable an economic operator to perform a self-assessment and it is strongly recommended that it be submitted together with the application for the AEO status. This is a new updated version of the self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) agreed between EU Member States and the European Commission. The new Self-Assessment is harmonised at European level in order to guarantee a uniform approach throughout all Member States. In order to allow Member States to adapt their internal procedure to the new Self-Assessment Questionnaire and to ensure smooth processing of the applications already submitted with the old version of the self-assessment questionnaire, there will be a transitional period until 31 December 2010.
Nevertheless, Member States that are ready, keeping in mind the needs of their economic operators, can start using the Self-Assessment Questionnaire before the end of the transitional period. To know the date after which Member States start using the new self-assessment questionnaire, see the document (pdf 11 Kb)(11 Kb) .
AEO Self-Assessment (pdf 42 Kb)(42 Kb)
Explanatory Notes for AEO Self-Assessment (Version 1.5) (pdf 134 Kb)(134 Kb)
It should be noted that there may be some instances where specific national provisions may require additional information or adaptation of the model.
It is also possible to get information on the AEO national WebPages of Member States:
AEO e-learning tool:
For more information about the AEO concept see the AEO e-learning tool. It explains the background of the AEO concept, why it was introduced, the application process, connected benefits and many other details.
Database on AEO (Authorised Economic Operators):
The database of economic operators holding a valid AEO certificate, and who gave their agreement to the publication of their details, is available on the "Online databases" page.
Other transport related security initiatives of the EU
A number of other initiatives on transport security are being developed. For more information on these initiatives, see DG Mobility & Transport's security section.