As defined by the WCO, an Authorised Economic Operator is "a party involved in the international movement of goods in whatever function that has been approved by or on behalf of a national Customs administration as complying with WCO or equivalent supply chain security standards." This definition comes from the WCO SAFE Framework where there is a tenet to create a set of international standards in regards to supply chain security to promote uniformity and predictability across Customs organizations.

While not a mandatory program for organizations, becoming AEO certified will provide an organization with benefits such as expedited cargo releases, reduced transit times, access to special measures during time of trade disruptions or elevated threat levels, and priority during product checks.  

All organizations looking to become AEO certified will need to engage in a self-assessment of their global supply chains using a pre-determined set of security standards and best practices. Questions asked to the suppliers will need to demonstrate an adherence to policies and procedures that safeguard against any loss of integrity of their shipments until released from Customs control at destination.

The self-assessment process must include the following:

• Pre-determined security best practices are incorporated into existing business practices
• Validation process has been completed by a recognized Customs agency
• Modern technology is utilized to maintain all shipments (including the container) integrity
• Open communication with Customs Agencies to receive minimum security standards updates and supply chain security best practices

Many organizations find this self-assessment process a daunting task. Integration Point® AEO Assessment Softwareassists with this process by providing an on-demand application where supplier data can be solicited, received, documented and analyzed.

Integration Point AEO Assessment Software provides the electronic collection, standardization and organization of supplier information, allowing the user to efficiently collect information required for all types of AEO certificates in one single database. All supplier information is easy to obtain, update and share with customs officials.

Using the tools provided by the AEO software, organizations can capture and analyze supplier security profiles real time. As each question is answered, the impact to the overall risk rating is calculated instantly rather than waiting for all answers to be returned and compiled manually.  The software automatically sends invitations to participate, reminders to complete information, and deadline notices to suppliers eliminating what was once a frustrating paper collection process.

The customizable workflow provided by the AEO software allows the user to tailor questions to specific supplier profiles for groups of entities to be verified in AEO.  As mutual recognition continues to grow, questionnaires can be shared between certification programs, lessening the burden on suppliers to gather the same information multiple times.

To learn more about Integration Point AEO Assessment, please complete our online request form or send us an email.

To find out more information about the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program or guidelines, visit the following websites:

World Customs Organization