Authoried Economic Operator

Supply chain security is an area of growing concern globally. Customs worldwide have responded by implementing a series of trusted trader statuses. In the UK, the version is the same as that adopted by the EU, namely Authorised Economic Operator (AEO).

There are two types of AEO. The first is known as AEO (C). This relates to the procedural health of a business. Attainment demonstrates the entity has demonstrated it manages it’s customs business effectively, ensuring it retains competent staff members responsible for all customs related activities, has secure systems to maintain the integrity of it’s data, and has checks in place to ensure it’s meeting it’s obligations.

AEO (S) contains some of the attributes mentioned in regard to AEO (C) but also takes into account the physical security of a business and it’s premises.