Do you know what an Authorized Economic Operator (A.E.O.) is?
The AEO is a customs operator recognized as reliable in the context of customs activities and, as such, is authorized to enjoy specific benefits throughout the European Union. In June 2005, the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council adopted the SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework). Its purpose is to deter international terrorism, ensure revenue collection, and promote trade facilitation worldwide. The United States was the first to implement this framework through the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program.
This concept was introduced in the EU as part of the so-called “security amendment” (Regulation EC No. 648/2005) by adding Article 5a to the former Community Customs Code (Regulation EEC No. 2913/1992). Later, Regulation EC No. 1875/2006 completed its framework by amending the implementing provisions (DAC) and inserting Articles 14a to 14q. Today, the AEO finds its legal basis in the Union Customs Code (UCC – Regulation EU No. 952/2013), the Delegated Regulation (EU 2015/2446), and the Implementing Regulation (EU 2015/2447), particularly in Articles 38–41 of the UCC and Articles 23–30 of the Delegated Regulation and 24–35 of the Implementing Regulation.
The concept of the Authorized Economic Operator originated from the “Authorized Person” defined in the Revised Kyoto Convention on the simplification and harmonization of customs procedures (WCO – June 1999, amended in 2006). This refers to an operator who, by complying with criteria such as proven compliance with customs regulations and having a satisfactory management system, benefits from specific advantages in customs procedures.
As of May 1, 2016, the “Union Customs Code package” entered into force across all 28 EU Member States, consisting of:
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Union Customs Code (UCC) – Regulation (EU) No. 952/2013
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Delegated Regulation (DR) – Regulation (EU) No. 2015/2446
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Implementing Regulation (IR) – Regulation (EU) No. 2015/2447
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Transitional Delegated Regulation (TDR) – Regulation (EU) No. 341/2016
These regulations updated the previous framework governing the procedure for obtaining AEO status and the associated benefits.
Under the Union Customs Code, this status is now granted through two types of authorizations rather than a single certification:
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AEO for Customs Simplifications (AEOC)
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AEO for Security and Safety (AEOS)
These authorizations can be held simultaneously, allowing operators to benefit from both sets of advantages.
AEO status may be granted to any economic operator — and their commercial partners — involved in the international supply chain (manufacturers, exporters, freight forwarders, warehouse keepers, customs agents, carriers, importers) who, through their activities, participate in customs-related operations and are considered reliable and secure within the supply chain.
To obtain AEO status, the operator must demonstrate compliance with the following criteria, some of which apply to both types of authorization:
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Compliance with customs and tax legislation and absence of serious criminal offenses related to economic activity.
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An effective system for managing commercial and transport records.
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Proven financial solvency.
Applicants for AEOC authorization must also demonstrate:
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Appropriate practical standards of competence or professional qualifications.
Applicants for AEOS authorization must demonstrate:
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Appropriate security and safety standards.
The criteria for obtaining AEO status are assessed based on the type of business (partnership or corporation), its size (small, medium, or large enterprise), and its role within the international supply chain. Additional factors, such as the scope and complexity of operations and the types of goods handled, are also considered.
Becoming an Authorized Economic Operator is not mandatory — it is a voluntary choice depending on the company’s operational conditions. However, obtaining AEO status provides both direct and indirect benefits in customs-related operations.
An Authorized Economic Operator is not required to ensure that its business partners also hold AEO status. Each AEO is responsible for its own segment within the supply chain, although the security measures adopted by all partners are taken into account when evaluating the operator’s reliability.
To obtain AEO status, the company must request an audit from the competent Customs Office. The audit will consider available data such as existing authorizations (for simplified or domiciled procedures), results of previous customs audits, and other relevant documentation, including certifications, expert reports, or internationally recognized accreditations. These elements facilitate and expedite the AEO authorization process.
