The benefits of AEO status, and what AEO-F means for your goods
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status is an internationally recognised quality mark. It shows that a business’s role in the international supply chain is secure and that its customs controls and procedures are efficient and compliant. Kanns Logistics holds AEO-F, full AEO status.
AEOC, AEOS and AEO-F
- AEOC (customs simplification) is for businesses that want to use customs simplifications and authorisations.
- AEOS (security and safety) is for businesses responsible for the security of goods moving through the international supply chain.
- AEO-F (full) means a business holds both, so it meets the customs compliance and the security and safety standards.
To be granted AEO status, a business is audited by HMRC on its compliance with customs and tax rules, its management of commercial and transport records, its financial solvency, its practical standards of competence and, for AEOS, its security and safety standards.
Benefits of AEOC
- Faster processing of applications for customs simplifications and authorisations.
- Priority handling of consignments selected for customs controls.
- A lower risk score, which may mean fewer checks on documents and goods.
- A guarantee waiver up to the level of the deferment account.
Benefits of AEOS
- A lower risk score, which may mean fewer checks.
- Priority handling of consignments at customs controls.
- Reduced data requirements for entry and exit summary declarations.
- Reciprocal arrangements and mutual recognition of AEO status with international partners.
Faster access to other authorisations
Because HMRC has already checked the AEO criteria, it does not examine them again when an AEO applies for other customs authorisations. That makes it quicker to add services such as bonded warehousing, temporary storage or simplified declarations.
Why it matters who clears your goods
Security works best end to end. HMRC notes that the full benefits of AEOS depend on a secure supply chain, where every party holds security and safety status. Choosing an AEO-F customs agent and warehouse means your declarations and your goods are handled by a business that HMRC has audited for both customs compliance and security.
Talk to our team about customs clearance, bonded warehousing or our ETSF temporary storage.
Source: HMRC, Authorised Economic Operator benefits.