The answer to this question is two-fold: what is an AEO? What are the certification conditions?
What is an AEO? The concept of AEO relies on two partners: and companies. It was initiated by the World Organisation (WCO).
Who can be AEO-certified? Volunteer companies of all sizes, meeting strict criteria. They work alongside authorities to reach common security goals throughout the entire . As such, they benefit from advantages all over the EU. The European Union based its AEO concept on renowned international standards.
All economic operators established within the European Union’s territory, involved both in operations and operations, can ask for . Importers, exporters, international transporters, international logisticians, airport companies in charge of conveying and temporarily storing goods, and lastly and transport commissioners are also eligible.
The relationship between and AEO applicants complies with all standard transparency rules, mutual respect and the law - thus leading to shared responsibility. The programme aims to strengthen international security. It makes legal trade easier, and is thus open to all stakeholders. The programme includes certified economic operators responsible for simplification (AEOC), and those in charge of safety and security (AEOS).
AEO certification is achieved based on criteria defined by Article 39 of the Union Code (UCC). The AEO status is granted to any economic operator that meets the special common criteria demanded.
There are two types of AEO certifications.
1. AEO-C1 AUTHORISATION: certified companies are entitled to simplified so long as they meet the following criteria:
2. AEO-S2 AUTHORISATION: the “Security and Safety” label is achieved by companies meeting the same above-mentioned criteria, but that also comply with highly-demanding security and safety standards.
Certifications are granted once an application has been received and have done an audit. Audited sites are only those where activities are held: , storing of goods awaiting export, etc.
The audit assesses the company’s internal organisation criteria, mostly with regard to , security and safety procedures.
An audit date is granted within 9 to 12 months after the request is sent. Once the request has been made, the time before certification depends on the size of the audited structure. European legislation requires that European respect a lead time of 180 days after receiving the approved application.
Once granted, the AEO CERTIFICATION is permanent. The certified company must work in constant compliance with the audited and approved procedures:
AEO programmes are continuing their development throughout the world. Currently, 83 programmes are operational, and 19 are pending.
Over 100 countries or groups of countries have adopted the AEO approach.
(Source: Kilean)
The legal for this programme is included in the “security amendments” recorded in the Community Code (EC 648/2005 regulation) and its application provisions.