Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Consultancy

What is AEO Certification?

Many international trading companies are now insisting that all business partners within the international supply chain have Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification. AEO certification is globally recognised and demonstrates that your activities within the international supply chain are reliable, secure and fully compliant with customs control procedures.

Types of AEO

Within the UK, there are two types of AEO currently available with each having different criteria and benefits.

AEO-C Customs Simplifications

This focuses on management controls for customs compliance.

AEO-S Safety & Security

This focuses on security measures within the supply chain.
 

Mutual Recognition of AEO Scheme

The UK government has secured Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) for their AEO scheme with various major trading partners, including:

•  EU
• Japan
• China
• USA
• Switzerland

AEO, what are the benefits?

Having AEO certification will benefit your business in many ways, such as:

• When expanding into new markets you can benefit from having an approved supplier status
• A competitive advantage in the marketplace
• Fewer physical and document checks at borders by customs authorities
• Preferential treatment from customs authorities and other business partners
• Access to simplified customs procedures
• Priority treatment of shipments, if selected for customs inspections
• Simpler approval for special procedures such as CFSP, temporary storage and bonded warehousing
• Duty deferment guarantee reduction
• The option of a centralised clearance self-assessment   

Who can apply for AEO?

Your business can apply for Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) if it is:

• a legal entity
• established in Great Britain or Northern Ireland
• actively involved in customs operations and international trade
• has an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number

What is the AEO application process?

The application process can be complicated and time consuming, with the application preparation and submission typically taking between three to 12 months. In addition, customs may take up to 120 days to review your application and perform site visits.

Once your company achieves AEO certification, you will be reassessed every three years during an on-site visit by HMRC.

Learn more about Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) requirements and processes >>
 

AEO Consultancy

I provide tailored consultancy services to assist you through the complete AEO application process. I offer three strategic areas of support which have proved to be beneficial for my clients. 

AEO Audit

I will spend a day within your business reviewing your current customs processes and completing a feasibility study. My audit will highlight inconsistencies in the company’s processes, showing where there might be opportunities for improvement. Additionally, my audit will identify exactly where your procedures are not compliant with AEO requirements.

AEO Project

Based on a review of your customs processes, I can define an approach and project plan to successfully implement business changes to ensure compliance with AEO standards. I will document detailed processes and procedures for a successful AEO application.

AEO Application

I can also assist with the end-to-end AEO application process. This includes assistance with the application forms, identifying the relevant supplementary evidence to be held, and ensuring your procedures are appropriately documented.

AEO Interim Manager / Executive / Contractor

Implementing business changes to ensure compliance with AEO requirements can often prove challenging for many businesses with limited resources. As a highly skilled Interim Executive / Manager, I provide a temporary solution when a business requires an international professional to bring an AEO project to completion.

I work as part of the management team but not as an employee of the business I contract with. Therefore, avoiding the costs of a permanent employee within your business, such as NI payments, employer tax, pension payments, etc. I operate through my own limited company, ICS Global Services Limited and invoice only for days worked. All invoices are based on the agreed fee per day spent working on the AEO assignment.

Initial AEO Discussion

If you would like an initial discussion to help you decide if AEO will benefit your company, please contact me on 0118 932 8447 or by e-mail: info@icsglobalservices.co.uk

ICS Global Services