AEO (Authorised Economic Operator)

The Customs People has more than 50 years of experience in dealing with all aspects of import and export regulations, and can help your business to navigate this complicated and difficult-to-decipher area.

Our service is second to none, and we have helped businesses across a variety of industries to make considerable savings while ensuring they are compliant with the latest customs regulations.

Contact us by calling 0161 826 8926, or fill out an online enquiry form and we will get back to you.

What is AEO?

Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) standards are an internationally recognised kitemark, which are awarded by customs once a business is deemed to be a safe and secure link within the global supply chain.

AEO status came about as a step to protect the global supply chain following the 9/11 and 7/7 terrorist attacks. Benefitting businesses and international governments alike, the move is also beneficial for combating counterfeiting, fraud and the illegal trafficking of goods and people.

In May 2016, AEO came to form the cornerstone of the Union Customs Code (UCC). While it is not mandatory, the effects of the UCC mean that not holding AEO accreditation may affect the operations of those firms within the international supply chain.

Types of AEO

There are currently three types of AEO certification:

• AEO S - deals with examining and improving a business’s security vulnerabilities
• AEO C - directed at customs simplifications
• AEO F - a combination of S and C

AEO will impact any business that owns or takes custody of goods that move across international borders, including:

• Manufacturers
• Importers
• Exporters
• Transport companies
• Warehousing and logistics providers
• Freight forwarders

In respect of AEO, our Customs Duty and AEO consultants can help:

• Assist your business in preparing for AEO status
• Assist you with undertaking the necessary reviews to identify how ready you are for AEO
• Assist you in closing any identified gaps in your systems to ensure AEO criteria can be met
• Assist you in preparing the necessary documentation to meet AEO standards
• Assist with applying for AEO and dealing with HMRC once the application has been submitted
• Assist with developing post-implementation audit programmes to ensure that AEO is reviewed (it is akin to an ISO)
• Undertake post-audit reviews

AEO Services

For further information on AEO and how we can assist you, visit our additional pages below: 

• What does AEO involve? 
• AEO planning
• Benefits of AEO 
• AEO advice
• AEO packages 
• Bespoke AEO consultancy 
• AEO videos 

Our Approach

Our team has a practical yet professional approach and all of our staff have a background in HMRC and/or Customs, giving us a unique understanding of how HMRC works. However, having worked extensively with VAT and customs in the commercial world, we have a thorough understanding of your business and what is important to you.

When working with a business to attain AEO status, we utilise our understanding of both business and HMRC to ensure the application is swift and successful, leaving your business to run efficiently before, during and after the introduction of AEO.