Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Status
The European Union (“EU”) Authorised Economic Operator (“AEO”) scheme is a voluntary system which was introduced to create a system of ‘legitimate’ businesses identifiable within the international supply chain as being safe and secure.
UK reporting on the progress of the Brexit negotiations has included multiple references to a ‘Trusted Trader’ scheme. The AEO system represents the UK’s current ‘Trusted Trader’ scheme in all but name.
AEO certification should be considered by businesses seeking to preserve the speed of their supply chain as a potential proactive tool, to enhance their business continuity and contingency planning as the Brexit negotiations evolve.
Written by our Customs Duty and VAT experts, Alison Horner and Andrew Thurston. This Focus On information sheet outlines the scheme, types of certification such as AEOC (Customs Simplifications) and AEOS (Security and Safety) plus the benefits of each certification for your business.