The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) plays a vitally important role in international trade today, particularly in relation to customs.
The following provides information about its role, requirements, advantages, etc.
WHAT IS AN AUTHORISED ECONOMIC OPERATOR?
The AEO is a status that can be obtained by European Union economic operators which primarily means that the EU considers them trustworthy in terms of their professional activity relating to customs. Certification is optional, although the member states are exerting a certain amount of pressure, via their customs departments, on customs agents and large exporting and importing companies to consolidate this figure
It is important to understand that the Authorised Economic Operator, like the American C-TPAT, came about primarily as a way of increasing security in the international logistics chain in the fight against issues such as terrorism and drug trafficking.
WHICH REGULATIONS RELATE TO THE ROLE OF AUTHORISED ECONOMIC OPERATOR?
The rules regarding the AEO are established in the following legal documents:
- Regulation (EC) 648/2005, amending Regulation (EEC) 2913/1992 of the Council in which the Community Customs Code is approved.
- Regulation (EC) 1875/2006.
- Regulation (EC) 1192/2008 of the Commission, amending Regulation (EEC) 2454/93.
HOW LONG HAS TIBA BEEN AN AUTHORISED ECONOMIC OPERATOR?
Since 27th April 2009. We were the second operator to submit an application via standard channels and the first in the Valencian Region (where we have our head office) to obtain it.
What advantages does tiba being an authorised economic operator give our clients?
The advantages that come from being an authorised economic operator depend as much on the category of certification obtained (customs simplifications, security or both) as on the type of company (export, import, shipping, customs agent, etc.). In general, an AEO company will have easier, simpler and more direct access to the customs authorities.
In particular, clients will benefit from:
- Fewer physical and documentary controls: the number of red channel (physical inspection) and orange channel (document checking) clearances are reduced.
- Priority in physical and documentary controls: when there are checks, they are quicker.
- National centralised clearance: customs agents can get clearance for goods entering any port, presenting the documentation at a different customs office.
- Simplified customs procedures: on the strength of the AEO certification, operators (primarily export and import companies) can benefit from certain simplified customs procedures.
Occasionally, authorised economic operators can apply for other benefits that are not explicitly laid down in the current legislation but that the Customs Department can award at its discretion.
Can an export/import company become an approved aeo?
Certainly. We advise many of our clients (depending on size, type of operations, etc.) to obtain certification, which we can help them with, offering our advice and expertise.
What do i have to do to be approved as an authorised economic operator?
To obtain certification as an Authorised Economic Operator, an application must be made to the Spanish State Tax Agency (AEAT). They will audit the applicant company, confirming compliance with the following requirements:
- Proven financial solvency.
- Historical compliance with customs regulations.
- Tight control over accounting, commercial, information and customs procedures.
- Good standards of physical security on the premises (for security certification).
More information about the AEO
More information about the role of Authorised Economic Operator is available by consulting:
- Our customs team.
- The AEO page on the Spanish State Tax Agency AEAT website.
- AEO – Wikipedia.
- The EU website.
- An EU course on the AEO.
