Optimize your logistics with AEO
AEO status is the quality stamp that makes your company reliable, secure, and compliant within the international supply chain. Discover how IT-customs helps you achieve and maintain this status for efficient business operations
What AEO means for you
AEO status (Authorised Economic Operator) proves that your company is a reliable partner for Customs. It is recognition of solid processes, administration, security, and internal control. For companies that want to facilitate their business and supply chain with speed, cost reduction, and increased confidence in the supply chain, AEO can be the solution.
Logistics speed
An AEO license can promote the smooth flow of goods through customs because there are fewer inspections from Customs (though this is not always noticeably significant) and inspections can be relocated to other locations or procedures.
Additionally, with AEO it is easier to request other customs licenses, for example for self-filing declarations, maintaining your own customs administration, or preparing documentation. Speed can be achieved through shorter lines, data reuse, and more efficient operational management.
Your supply chain partners and customers will also notice that this optimization delivers results in the logistics process.
Cost reduction
As an AEO declarant and using simplified procedures (licenses), import duties can be saved, for example through the use of customs transport and customs warehousing
With an AEO license, you typically receive a mitigation on your financial guarantee for these customs regulations. Also, service costs can be saved by insourcing customs declarations. However, knowledge, capacity, and automation must be available to facilitate this.
We can support this transformation through automation, team alignment, and if desired, interim/part-time support from a customs team to remain AEO-compliant.
During the startup period, we provide "coverage" for the team and continue to monitor as long as desired.
Don't forget to create a business case for this transition that includes the project scope, conditions, and expected savings/benefits. We can also help with that."
Increased confidence
Build trust with customers, partners, and customs authorities worldwide as an AEO license holder. This is only possible through demonstrable proof of your compliance and the ability to deliver quality and continuous testing.
Furthermore, Customs gives you room to work on improvements. Stay sharp on your supply chain partners through regular evaluations, and on yourself to consistently perform and analyze internal controls and audits.
In this way, you consistently demonstrate that you are a worthy supply chain partner, and an audit by an external party or Customs is never a surprise. You can always demonstrate how your framework works and what you're doing in the context of continuous improvement.
This safeguarding of processes ultimately also results in higher customer satisfaction, and AEO can be integrated into new or existing quality programs.
Your partner for AEO guidance and remediation
IT-customs guides you pragmatically and expertly through the entire AEO process. We ensure that your organization meets AEO requirements and optimally benefits from AEO status, from initial analysis to post-license.
After AEO license approval, a customized service model is offered, depending on the degree of automation, capacity, and knowledge of your internal organization.
Has there been no time and/or focus to maintain the AEO framework due to circumstances? No problem, we're happy to think it through with you!
Our approach: From analysis to safeguarding
We guide companies through the complete AEO process. Our approach is pragmatic, expert, and fully tailored to your organization. These are the steps we can take in collaboration with your organization:
- Baseline & gap analysis: assess where you stand, identify risks and required improvements.
- Risk inventory: map potential risks using a pragmatic risk model.
- Self-assessment: guidance on completing the required Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ).
- Develop or refine AO/IB: bring administrative organization, internal control, and process descriptions to AEO level.
- Guidance on AEO application: including substantiation, supporting documents, and risk analysis.
- Establish audit-proof workflows and automation (AEO framework): ensuring processes are demonstrable, reproducible, and verifiable. Set up incident registration and audit calendar.
- Employee training: practical explanation of responsibilities, risks, and daily application; guidance and information for responsible managers and AEO officers.
- Support during customs audit: preparation, documentation, Q&A, and assistance.
- Ongoing support: assistance as needed to keep the AEO framework up-to-date, conduct periodic checks, evaluation sessions, and keep the organization sharp.
- Post-license safeguarding: periodic checks, updates, and support for changes or re-assessment; development of an AEO monitoring program
- External audit: conducting annual external audits
Why IT-customs is the right choice
Customers who engage IT-customs experience a faster and smoother AEO process. They gain clarity in processes, make fewer mistakes, and stand stronger during customs audits. Choose IT-customs for:
- Pragmatic approach: workable solutions, no lengthy reports.
- Broad customs and IT knowledge: unique in the market.
- Automation implementation: where needed.
- Experience: with complex supply chains and licenses.
- Personal guidance: direct communication, quick responses.
- Tailored solutions: aligned with your business model.
- Strong in AO/IB, automation, and supply chain integration: exactly what AEO is assessed on.
