AEO Advice

The decision to apply for Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status should be based on whether doing so would benefit the business when compared to the costs of applying for, and maintaining, the standard.

Changes introduced in 2016 mean that a guarantee has to be lodged if a business wants to use any customs facilitation schemes, unless the business can demonstrate it operates to AEO standard.

As part of the Union Customs Code, businesses holding or wishing to apply for customs simplifications need to consider whether to seek AEO status.

Circumstances of AEO include:

• Businesses looking to apply for a customs special procedure, such as inward processing, customs warehouse and temporary storage
• A business wishing to apply for a single authorisation across more than one member state
• Any business that wants self-assessment and centralised clearance

Having AEO standards in place means the following for businesses:

• The ability to fast track through customs controls, meaning you will be prioritised over non-AEOs, if selected for examination
• Permission to use a reduced data set when supplying entry or exit, or entry summary declarations, and includes carriers and freight forwarders
• Worldwide recognition - over 70 countries are included in the AEO initiative, which would give your business the chance to expand into new territories

If you are considering seeking AEO status for your business, you will need to take some time to research the process and what to expect. Our team will help you to ensure the application process is smooth, thorough and successful.

Should I use external advice to apply for AEO status?

We are experts in all aspects of customs duty, and your business is in safe hands with us. There are a number of benefits of using an external company to help you achieve this status, which we have outlined below.

Creating a stress-free process

Enlisting a customs consultancy takes the pressure off you as a business owner, leaving you free to concentrate on your day-to-day operations. The onus is on the company to ensure problems are rectified promptly. After all, that is what you are paying them for.

Expert advice

A professional body is on hand to manage the process, and their knowledge of this area will be invaluable. HMRC experts know this process inside out and know exactly what companies look for when granting AEO.

Enhanced business processes

The complex nature of AEO, and the thoroughness of the application, means that many financial and logistical aspects of your business will be closely analysed. An AEO consultancy will know just what they’re looking for, and can advise on areas of improvement, assist with document trails or advise on processes to ensure every aspect of your business is AEO-ready.

How The Customs People can help

Our team will ensure your AEO application is smooth, thorough and successful. As the experts in customs Duty, you know your business is in safe hands with us.

• We have already successfully assisted in the AEO application process for many of our clients.
• As former Customs Officers, we have vast experience working with, and understand the protocols of, HMRC.
• As independent consultants, there is no conflict of interest and we always work with your business's best interests at heart.
• All of our security AEO staff have been trained to the highest standards by the same training firm that trains HMRC's in-house AEO audit staff.
• We have a thorough understanding of HMRC's approach, what they want and what they are looking for to grant AEO status. We will apply this knowledge to your business before submitting an application to maximise its chance of success.