AEO

What is an AEO?

Authorized Economic Operator is a status granted for "trustworthy traders" that can benefit from many customs simplifications.

According to the Albanian Customs Code, there are two types of status for AEO that can be granted:

• “AEO-S” for safety and security - control facilitations
• “AEO-C” for customs simplifications - facilitations on customs procedures

Both those status may be combined in order to be benifited a "full" AEO.

If an AEO wants to benefit from a simplification/regime, the Customs does not examine the terms or criteria.

The Albanian Customs Administration has implemented the OEA status according to international standards and for that purpose a Common Recognition Agreement has been signed with the CEFTA countries in compliance with EU legislation where CEFTA parties shall inform each-other regarding the identity of the AEOs.

Benefits resulting from the status of authorised economic operator

a) More favourable treatment regarding risk assessment and control:

• An authorised economic operator (AEO) shall be subject to fewer physical and document-based controls than other economic operators;
• Where consignments declared by an AEO have been selected for physical or document-based control, those controls shall be carried out as a matter of priority;
• On request from an AEO the controls may be carried out at a place other than the place where the goods have to be presented to customs.

b) A simplified or exclusive access to certain custom simplifications:

• Reduction of the guarantee level or guarantee waiver;
• Simplifications in transit;
• Simplifications in value;
• Authorization on simplified declarations, etc.

c) Agreement on mutual recognition with other countries.

AEO criteria

According to the required authorization (customs or security and safety simplifications), the applicant shall fulfil certain criteria:

• an appropriate record of compliance with customs and tax requirements;
• a satisfactory system of managing commercial and, where appropriate, transport records, which allows appropriate customs controls;
• proven financial solvency;
• practical standards of competence and professional qualifications related to the activity carried out (AEO-C)

For AEO-S status, security and safety standards:

• Appropriate measures for the security of the supply chain;
• Physical integrity and access control;
• Logistical processes and treatments for different types of goods;
• Responsible staff and identification of business partners.

An AEO-S benefits control simplifications on entry-exit of goods in the Albanian territory

AEO in EU

• The status of AEO was first adopted in the framework of the Customs-Business Partnerships by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in years 2000;
• The AEO entered into force in the EU in January 2008;
• With the "Customs Code of the European Union" which entered into force on 1st of May 2016, the status of OEA has been strengthened and has benefited new simplifications.