International trade today requires a balance between security, speed and trust. Every logistics operation crosses borders, regulations and customs controls that, if not managed efficiently, can lead to delays, cost overruns and uncertainty for companies.
In response to these challenges, the European Union created the figure of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), an official recognition that distinguishes those companies that meet the highest standards in customs and security matters.
This status not only accredits the reliability of the operator before the authorities, but also brings tangible advantages for importers and exporters looking for more agile and secure processes.
In this context, Across Logistics is AEO certified, positioning it as a trusted strategic partner for companies that need to move goods in a competitive and regulated global environment.
What is an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)?
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) is a certification granted by the European Union to those companies that participate in the international logistics chain and comply with reliability, safety and regulatory compliance criteria.
This is a figure created within the framework of the Union Customs Code (UCC) and aligned with the international standards of the World Customs Organization (WCO) through the SAFE framework, which aims to strengthen the security of the global logistics chain and facilitate international trade.
In practice, an AEO is considered a “trusted operator” in the eyes of the customs authorities and, by extension, in the supply chain as a whole. This means that its activity is subject to greater preventive control and periodic audits, but in return it receives significant benefits in terms of simplified procedures, reduced controls and greater operational fluidity.
It is important to emphasize that AEO certification is not mandatory, but it has become a seal of quality and competitiveness in international trade. Companies that have it stand out from those that do not, as they offer their customers an additional guarantee of safety and compliance in each logistics operation.
In addition, AEO status is not limited to freight forwarders or customs brokers only. Manufacturers, exporters, importers, warehousers or distributors may also apply for AEO status, provided they are involved in international trade and meet the requirements.
Types of AEO certification in the European Union
AEO certification is not unique, but is adapted to the different needs and functions of companies within the international supply chain. The European Union distinguishes three modalities:
AEO-C (Customs simplifications)
This type of authorization is aimed at companies seeking advantages in customs procedures. Those who have this type of authorization enjoy more agile processes in document management and in the presentation of declarations.
Benefits highlighted:
📑 Access to simplified customs procedures.
⏱️ Reduction of transaction processing times.
🏢 Possibility of centralized dispatch in some cases.
AEO-S (Safety and Security)
Focused on companies that demonstrate high standards of physical, documentary and operational security in the supply chain. It is closely related to protection against threats such as terrorism, smuggling or drug trafficking.
Benefits highlighted:
🔒 Lower number of physical and documentary inspections.
🚛 Priority in the assignment of customs controls.
🌍 Recognition as a safe operator at international level.
AEO-F (Full or combined)
This is the most complete modality, integrating both customs simplification benefits (AEO-C) and security benefits (AEO-S). It is the most valued option, as it accredits the company as an agile, reliable and secure logistics partner.
Benefits highlighted:
✅ Customs and security benefits in a single certificate.
📦 Greater competitiveness vis-à-vis non-certified operators.
🤝 Enhanced confidence with customers and customs authorities.
In this way, the AEO status not only responds to an administrative requirement, but also becomes a strategic advantage for those companies that want to differentiate themselves in an increasingly demanding global market.
Requirements for AEO certification
Authorization as an Authorized Economic Operator is not granted automatically: it involves an exhaustive evaluation process by the European Union customs authorities.
Its concession depends on the company objectively demonstrating that it complies with a series of strict legal, financial and operational criteria.
The main requirements are:
📜 Regulatory compliance history:
The company must demonstrate a correct behavior in customs and tax matters, without having committed serious infractions in recent years.
💶 Proven financial solvency:
The company is required to demonstrate sufficient economic stability to ensure that it can meet its commitments and obligations in international trade.
🛡️ Adequate risk management and internal controls:
The company must have documented procedures and systems to ensure the traceability of operations, as well as the control of its customs processes.
🔒 Safety standards:
The organization is required to have secure facilities, controlled access protocols, tamper-evident measures and a comprehensive security plan for goods and documents.
👩💼 Demonstrated professional capability:
It is necessary for the company to have personnel with adequate knowledge of customs matters, backed by practical experience or specific training.
This set of requirements aims to ensure that the operator not only complies with the regulations, but is also able to act as a reliable partner within the global supply chain. Only those companies that pass the initial audit and periodic checks can maintain AEO status.
Benefits of the AEO for importers and exporters
Obtaining certification as an Authorized Economic Operator not only brings prestige, but also offers practical and direct advantages to those who operate in international trade. These benefits impact both the relationship with customs authorities and the efficiency of logistics processes.
Among the most relevant are the following:
🚢 Customs clearance: AEO provides access to simplified procedures that reduce goods clearance time, resulting in faster and more reliable deliveries.
📑 Reduction of physical and documentary controls: Certified companies are less likely to be subject to inspections, avoiding delays and associated costs.
⏱️ Priority in case of inspection: If an inspection occurs, an AEO operator’s cargo is given priority treatment, minimizing the impact on the logistics chain.
🌍 International recognition: Thanks to mutual recognition agreements between the European Union and third countries (such as the USA, Japan or China), the advantages of AEO transcend European borders, facilitating operations in strategic markets.
🤝 Smoother relationship with customs authorities: The status of trust strengthens collaboration with customs, allowing incidents to be resolved more quickly and effectively.
🔒 Increased security in the logistics chain: Compliance with high security standards reduces the risk of theft, tampering or illicit activities during transportation and storage.
💶 Optimization of operating costs: Reduced delays, inspections and unnecessary paperwork contribute to significant savings in logistics and administrative costs.
Related content:
Logistics Outsourcing. Maximize your company’s potential.
3PL (Third Party Logistic). What it is and advantages
Logistics Operator. What it is and why you need it
Impact of AEO on international logistics
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) has transformed the way logistics and international trade are conceived in the European Union. Beyond the direct benefits for certified companies, its existence contributes to raising standards of security, transparency and efficiency throughout the global supply chain.
Some of the most relevant impacts are:
🌐 International trade facilitation: By streamlining customs procedures and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the AEO promotes the smooth flow of goods between countries, boosting the competitiveness of companies in international markets.
🔄 Integration with international programs: Mutual recognition with initiatives such as C-TPAT in the United States or the Japanese AEO allows the advantages of the certificate to transcend the European scope and be valid in operations with strategic partners.
📉 Reduced overall risks and costs: Less exposure to unnecessary controls, coupled with a more secure logistics chain, reduces risks of disruptions, financial losses and delivery delays.
🛡️ Contribution to global security: AEO reinforces the fight against threats such as smuggling, terrorism or drug trafficking, strengthening trust between operators and authorities in different countries.
📊 Encouraging business efficiency: By requiring a robust document management, traceability and security system, the statute drives internal improvements that translate into more organized and efficient processes.
In short, AEO acts as a strategic pillar of modern logistics: it brings fluidity to global trade, ensures security in an increasingly complex environment and makes certified companies preferred partners in the international supply chain.
AEO as a competitive advantage
In a global market where delivery times, process reliability and regulatory compliance are decisive factors, AEO certification becomes much more than a simple administrative recognition: it is a strategic asset that gives a clear competitive advantage.
Companies that work with AEO operators gain benefits that directly impact their ability to compete:
🏆 S trengthened reputation in the market: Having a certified partner conveys confidence to customers, suppliers and authorities, which facilitates the building of stable business relationships.
⏱️ Reduced lead times and greater predictability: By avoiding customs delays and minimizing inspections, companies can better plan their supply chains and meet international commitments more reliably.
💰 Optimization of logistics and financial costs: The reduced need for interim storage, the reduction of guarantees and the streamlining of procedures translate into significant economic savings.
📈 Differentiation from non-certified competitors: In tenders, international agreements or supplier selection, having AEO certification can be a decisive criterion for the award of contracts.
🔒 Reduced supply chain risks: The additional security implied by certification protects against incidents such as theft, fraud or tampering of goods.
In this way, the AEO not only facilitates customs processes, but also becomes a seal of quality and trust that improves the competitive position of companies in international trade.
Across Logistics as Authorized Economic Operator
In the context of increasingly demanding international trade, Across Logistics is officially certified as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) by the European Union.
This recognition accredits the company as a trusted operator in customs and security matters, validating its commitment to excellence in logistics management.
For its customers, working with an AEO-certified logistics partner brings tangible advantages in every operation:
⚡ Faster and smoother customs processes thanks to access to simplified procedures and reduced controls.
🛡️ Increased security in the transportation and storage of goods, backed by strict protection and traceability protocols.
🌍 International recognition that facilitates operations with key markets outside the EU through mutual recognition agreements.
💼 Total confidence in regulatory compliance, minimizing the risk of sanctions or legal incidents.
📊 Increased competitiveness in a global market where reliability and speed make the difference.
The AEO status reinforces the mission of Across Logistics to offer efficient, secure and customized logistics solutions, consolidating its position as a strategic partner for importing and exporting companies seeking to grow in the international market.
Frequently asked questions about AEO
What are the advantages of working with an AEO logistics operator?
Companies that hire a certified operator obtain key benefits:
⚡ Faster customs processes with fewer incidences.
🛡️ Increased safety in the handling and transportation of your goods.
International recognition of certification in agreements with third countries.
💰 Cost optimization by reducing delays and simplifying procedures.
❓ Which countries recognize the AEO certificate?
In addition to the entire European Union, AEO certification is recognized through mutual recognition agreements with strategic countries such as:
United States (C-TPAT).
Japan.
China.
Switzerland.
Norway.
And other countries that have been progressively incorporated. This multiplies the scope of AEO in global trade.
❓ How can I check if a company is AEO certified?
The European Union maintains a public database where it is possible to consult which companies have Authorized Economic Operator status. In this way, importers and exporters can easily verify whether a logistics partner is certified.
❓ Is AEO mandatory to operate in international trade?
No. AEO is a voluntary certification, but it is increasingly in demand in the industry. In fact, in certain sectors and high volume operations, working with an AEO operator has become an almost essential requirement to ensure agility and safety.
