AEO (Authorised Economic Operator)

There are two types: AEO-C (customs simplifications) and AEO-S (security). A company can hold both.

The certificate is issued by the customs authorities after a thorough review of accounts, procedures and security, among other things. EU AEO status is also recognised by a number of countries outside the EU.

For shippers it can mean more predictable clearance when both forwarder and importer have their processes in order.