Manto Shipping has been operating as an authorised economic operator since 2010.
What it means to be AEO?
On the 1st of January 2008, the changes brought about by EC Regulations no. 648/2005 and no. 1875/2006 amending the Community Customs Code (EC Reg no. 450/2008) and the Customs Code Implementing Provisions (EC Reg. No. 2454/1993) respectively, came into force in the EU 27 Member States. These refer to the issuing of AEO/Customs Simplifications or AEO/Security or AEO/Customs Simplifications and Security certificates, all being valid throughout the Community.
With the entry into force of the Regional Union 952/2013 from 1 May 2016, the AEO has become a concrete authorisation issued by the competent Customs.
The Community certification scheme applies to economic operators and their business partners who play a role in the international supply chain, namely producers, exporters, forwarders, warehouse keepers, customs agents, carriers, importers who, in the course of their business, are involved in activities regulated by the relevant customs provisions and are eligible with respect to the other operators, since they are reliable and trusted in the supply chain. The requirements to obtain an AEO status are tailored to all types of enterprises (also small and medium), irrespective of their size, and special criteria are envisaged for the other stakeholders concerned, e.g. intermediaries and customs representatives. Such characteristics vary depending of the size and the complexity of the business, the types of goods as well as other specific factors which will be taken into consideration by the Customs Authority. Community reliability and AEO/customs status are recognised after the Customs Authority (i.e. the Customs Agency, in Italy) has verified that customs obligations are fulfilled, accounting criteria are met, and the operator is financially solvent. Apart from the above requirements, for an AEO/Security status to be recognised, the operator must demonstrate compliance with safety and security rules. The economic operator is not obliged to become an Authorised Economic Operator: this is an individual choice, which depends on the operating conditions of each operator. However, status AEO status allows economic operators to benefit from direct and indirect advantages and incentives when carrying out customs operations. The Authorised Economic Operator is not required to demand that its commercial partners also obtain AEO status. In fact, each Authorised Economic Operator is responsible only for his part of the supply chain even if the security standards of their business partners are taken into account to ensure security. To obtain recognition of the AEO status, it is necessary to apply for a special audit at the relevant Customs Office, which will also take into account any information and data already available (authorisations issued for the simplified/local customs procedures, customs audit) as well as other elements, like certifications obtained by the applicant, conclusions of experts in the relevant sectors, the possession of internationally recognised certifications, which should be exhibited by the party. This will facilitate the AEO authorisation process.
Would you like to be part of AEO?
Our staff is delighted to assist you in obtaining AEO authorisation. Contact us.
