1.III.2. Prior notification

This advantage, which provides the holder of an AEO authorization with a logistical benefit by being able to better plan and optimize transport and logistics, minimize logistical delays, and reduce transport costs, can be applied:

To AEOC and AEOS holders:

Article 38(6) of the UCC and Article 24(3) of the AD UCC provide that " where an AEO lodges a temporary warehousing declaration or a customs declaration in accordance with Article 171 of the Code, the customs office competent to receive that temporary warehousing declaration or that customs declaration shall, where the consignment has been selected for customs control, notify the AEO accordingly. That notification shall be made before the goods are presented to customs.

Such notification shall not be made where it could compromise the controls to be carried out or their results.» This also includes controls on behalf of other government authorities, where appropriate.

It is important to distinguish between advance notifications related to security and safety and those related to the application of other measures provided for in customs legislation.

This means that only AEOS will receive advance notification for customs controls related to safety and security, while AEOCs will receive advance notification for customs controls not related to security.

To AEOS holders only:

Article 24(2) of the AD CAU provides that when an AEO has lodged an entry summary declaration, the customs office of first entry must notify the AEO of this if the consignment has been selected for physical inspection. This notification shall be made before the goods arrive in the customs territory of the Union, provided that the AEO carrier is connected to electronic customs systems. Prior notification can be particularly important for AEOs operating in large ports, as it will allow them to better plan their business.

Such notification should not be made when it could compromise the controls to be carried out or their results. However, customs authorities may carry out a physical inspection even if they have not notified the AEO.