WOULD YOU LIKE TO SECURE AND SIMPLIFY YOUR INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS OPERATIONS? ASD GROUP HELPS YOU OBTAIN AUTHORISED ECONOMIC OPERATOR (AEO) CERTIFICATION AND GAIN OFFICIAL RECOGNITION AS A TRUSTED PARTNER BY CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES.
The Authorised Economic Operator, known as “AEO”, is an internationally recognised trusted status. It allows any business established in the European Union and engaged in international trade to obtain a quality label for the customs and safety-security processes it implements. This authorisation is granted by the Customs Authorities.
There are two types of AEO authorisations:
AEO authorisation for Customs Simplifications (“AEO-C”) – a label covering customs clearance operations.
AEO authorisation for Security and Safety (“AEO-S”) – a label relating to the physical security of goods in transit.
Applicants holding both certificates are subject to fewer physical and documentary checks. They also benefit from being recognised as “under control” and can access simplified fallback procedures for exports.
Both types of AEO authorisation are subject to common requirements set by the customs administration:
A company of good standing (no record of serious criminal offences);
A reliable and traceable management system;
Established internal control procedures;
Proven financial solvency over the past three years;
Demonstrated customs competence.
French companies involved in the movement of goods to or from countries outside the European Union, known as imports or exports are concerned. They can obtain Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status if their business meets specific customs and security criteria. Here are the key contexts in which this status applies:
The AEO status is intended for businesses actively involved in international trade. This includes importers, exporters, carriers, logistics providers, customs agents, and manufacturers who carry out customs operations.
Businesses may apply for AEO status to enhance the security of their supply chain and demonstrate their reliability to customs authorities, while streamlining their international transactions.
To obtain AEO status, companies must meet several requirements: a solid history of customs compliance, reliable record-keeping systems, sound financial standing, and adherence to security standards.
AEO status is granted under the Union Customs Code and is recognised across the EU. It may also be mutually recognised by third countries through international agreements.
AEO status is not granted automatically: companies must submit a formal application to customs authorities, who will carry out an audit to assess whether the eligibility criteria are met.
Companies can apply for AEO status to gain real advantages: fewer physical and document checks, priority treatment at borders, access to further customs simplifications, and enhanced credibility with business partners.
Being an AEO helps to streamline the movement of goods by reducing the number of customs controls. If you are a supplier, it also allows you to meet the needs of your clients by maintaining the AEO supply chain. AEO status also offers a number of benefits, such as:
In France, AEO authorisation is issued by the customs business unit responsible for the company’s location;
AEO authorisation is granted following a joint customs–business project approach;
AEO status is recognised throughout the EU and in countries that have signed mutual recognition agreements.
Being an AEO helps to streamline the movement of goods by reducing customs controls. If you are a supplier, it allows you to meet your clients’ needs without breaking the AEO supply chain. AEO status also offers benefits such as:
(fewer checks, time savings, improved visibility, quality, etc.)
An AEO application involves a multitude of questions affecting many departments within a company.
A business unfamiliar with this type of process may spend a great deal of time preparing the file and ensuring its success.
By guiding you through each step, ASD Group – a tax and customs consultancy – supports you in the audit and its preparation. We train your teams, focus on what truly matters, and help you save valuable time while ensuring peace of mind.
We guide you through each step of your AEO application, ensuring all required documents are complete, compliant, and correctly presented to the customs authorities.
We provide tailored training for your teams (logistics, accounting, customs, etc.) to ensure full understanding and consistent implementation of AEO-related procedures.
We carry out a thorough pre-audit to identify any gaps, simulate customs checks, and ensure you're fully prepared for the official audit process.
Our experts stand by your side during the customs audit, assisting with responses to inspectors and ensuring smooth and effective communication throughout the process.
Beyond obtaining AEO certification, we offer ongoing support to help you maintain your status over time, adapting your procedures to any regulatory changes.
Our team of specialists is at your disposal to provide expert advice and personalised support.
A guarantee of work quality and the security of your information to protect your data and minimise risks.
We develop our own specialised software to monitor flows and thresholds, manage electronic data, send deadline reminders, and more. All tools are available on our fully online, multi-service platform, MyASD.
Our expertise has made us a trusted point of contact for European tax and customs authorities for over 25 years, acting as a guarantor of your activities within the EU and your reputation with these authorities.
We respond to all our clients’ requests within a 48 business hour timeframe, ensuring smooth and efficient communication throughout the process.
Our experts maintain constant monitoring of regulatory developments, enabling you to stay informed and adapt quickly to changes.
Each client is assigned a dedicated account manager who supports them throughout their journey with us, ensuring personalised service and a trusted relationship.
ASD Group already holds AEO certification and already masters the procedures to obtain it.
To benefit from reduced or zero tariffs, it is necessary to prepare a dossier that enables you to:
Manage the statuses of importers and exporters;
Determine the classification of products involved in trade between the EU and Japan;
Identify the preferential origin of the goods;
Calculate the applicable duties to take advantage of tariff benefits.
