What is an authorized economic operator?

Companies within the EU can apply for the status of “Authorized Economic Operator” (AEO) to benefit from customs privileges, including financial benefits and simplified clearance. AEO certification is open-ended and valid in all member states. It includes agreements for recognition by non-EU countries.

Authorized Economic Operators enjoy the following benefits, depending on the AEO status:

• Classification as reliable and trustworthy with customs
• Fewer document checks during customs clearance
• Fewer customs inspections
• Self-checks
• Exemption from presentation to customs
• Reduced security deposit for customs clearance
• Reduced security deposit for transit procedure

Certification as an Authorized Economic Operator is granted in three variants:

• AEO C: “customs simplifications” authorization
• AEO S: “security” authorization
• AEO C/S or AEO F: “customs simplifications and security” authorization (combined authorization)