AEO Consultant

Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Consultant

Many international trading companies are now insisting that all business partners within their international supply chain have Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification. As an AEO consultant, I provide tailored consulting and interim services to assist companies through the complete AEO application process and to become fully customs-compliant. As an AEO consultant, I will assist you with obtaining your AEO status, and in case your company is already AEO-certified, I will help you maintain your customs-compliant international supply chains and AEO status.

History of Customs & Business Partnerships

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)

Following the 9/11 terrorist attack within the USA, the U.S. government introduced the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) certification program. C-TPAT was launched in November 2001, and C-TPAT business partners work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to protect U.S. international supply chains from the concealment of terrorist weapons, including weapons of mass destruction. The trade partnership provides the highest level of customs-compliant international supply chain security in exchange for reduced inspections of cargo by CBP.

My C-TPAT case study provides an in-depth example of the C-TPAT application process.

Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)

In 2005, the World Customs Organization (WCO) implemented the SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework) to prevent international terrorism. As a result, a customs-to-business partnership was introduced in 2008 by the WCO called the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO). Like C-TPAT, the AEO programme enables traders to work voluntarily with customs authorities to enhance customs compliant international supply chain security and facilitate legitimate trade.

UK Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)

HMRC states that the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status is an internationally recognised quality mark that shows your business’s role in the international supply chain is secure and has customs control procedures that meet Authorised Economic Operator standards and criteria.

There are two types of status:

Authorised Economic Operator Customs Simplification (AEOC)
Authorised Economic Operator Security and Safety (AEOS)
You can apply for customs simplification or security and safety, or you can apply for both.

AEO Business Benefits

Authorised Economic Operator Customs Simplification (AEOC)

HMRC states that under AEOC, traders could benefit from:

a faster application process for customs simplifications and authorisations
a lower risk score, which may reduce the number of checks customs carry out on your documents and goods
a guarantee waiver up to the level of your deferment account

Authorised Economic Operator Security and Safety (AEOS)

HMRC states that under AEOs, traders could benefit from:

a lower risk score, which may reduce the number of checks customs carry out on your documents and goods
your consignments receiving priority treatment for customs controls
reduced declaration requirements for entry and exit summary declarations
reciprocal arrangements and mutual recognition

AEO Blog

Who can apply for AEO?

To apply, you must be part of the international supply chain, which starts from the manufacturing process through to the delivery of goods using import and export procedures such as:

manufacturers
exporters
freight forwarders
warehouse keepers
customs agents
carriers
importers
port operators
secure freight parking operatives
airline loaders

In addition, your company must:

be a legal entity
be established in Great Britain or Northern Ireland
be actively involved in customs operations and international trade
have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number

AEO Consultancy Services

I provide consulting services to assist you with achieving AEO status. My services include reviewing your current customs processes, completing a feasibility study, and documenting detailed processes and procedures for a successful AEO application. My consulting services also include assisting you with the completion of application forms while ensuring relevant supplementary evidence is available for review by HMRC.