Section IV: Cooperation between customs authorities and other authorities of the Administration
Cooperation with other competent authorities and program adaptation have been identified and recognized as key elements for the further development of a robust AEO program. The goal is to ensure the security of the supply chain and avoid duplication of efforts and costs for authorities and economic operators.
Thus, both the WCO SAFE framework and EU legislation have incorporated an international level from the outset.
At the EU level, work has begun in various areas (e.g., aviation safety, maritime issues, export controls, etc.) with a view to identifying synergies and avoiding duplication of administrative burden.
The EU Strategy and Action Plan for Customs Risk Management, and in particular the inclusion of a specific objective related to inter-agency cooperation and information sharing between customs and other authorities, have played a key role in this area.
In addition, there are several certificates and authorizations in other fields whose requirements are one or more of the criteria for obtaining AEO status, or consist directly of possessing it:
Civil aviation legislation(7)
If an AEOS holder applies for Accredited Agent (AA) or Known Consignor (KC) status, the respective security requirements are deemed to be met to the extent that the criteria for obtaining AEO status are identical to or correspond to those applied for obtaining AA or KC status. The same principle applies in reverse.
In the case of a customer consignor, AEOS holders are not required to sign the "customer consignor" declaration of commitments and are recognized as a customer consignor by the accredited agent, provided that all other requirements established by Union legislation in the field of aviation security are met.
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)(8)
For economic operators that use fishery products and catch certificates, it is possible to apply for OEAU status. An EAEU must be able to opt for the use of simplified procedures relating to the import of fishery products into the EU.
To be granted OEAU status, it is mandatory to first have AEO status, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant regulations. Furthermore, if the applicant for OEAU status holds an AEOS authorization, the application process is simplified.
Other
Safety and security are becoming increasingly important and significant for various operators. The AEO statute is one of the largest security initiatives worldwide and is receiving increasing attention.
At the same time, certificates and authorizations issued by customs or other government authorities facilitate the authorization process.
See also Part 3.III.4.2., "Certificates and authorizations granted by customs or other administrative authorities."
(7) Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2015/1998.(Back)
(8) Commission Regulation (EC) No 1010/2009 of 22 October 2009 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.(Back)