1.I.2. The AEO for Safety and Security (AEOS)

An AEOS (Association of Economic Operators) is provided for economic operators established in the Union who wish to benefit from specific facilities related to customs controls and safety and security when goods enter or leave the customs territory of the Union.

The criteria for granting an AEOS include:

• Compliance with customs and tax legislation, and in particular the absence of convictions for serious crimes related to the applicant's economic activity;
• Demonstration, by the applicant, of a high level of control over its operations and the flow of goods, through a management system for commercial records and, where applicable, transport records, enabling the correct performance of customs controls (however, unlike the case of an AEOC, an AEOS is not required to have a logistics system that distinguishes between Union and non-Union goods in its records);
• proven financial solvency, and
• adequate safety standards.

An AEOS has the right to:

• facilities in relation to pre-departure declarations;
• More favorable treatment than other economic operators in relation to customs controls, including a reduction in the number of physical and documentary controls with regard to protection and security;
• prior notification in case of being selected for customs control;
• priority treatment if selected for inspection;
• possibility of requesting that the inspection be carried out at a specific location.

An AEOS is recognized as an economic operator that has taken appropriate measures to protect its business activity and is therefore a reliable player in the international supply chain from the perspective of both the relevant government authorities and its trading partners. The AEOS is taken into account with respect to MRAs with third countries.

See also Part 1, Section III, “Advantages of AEO”.