Check if Authorised Economic Operator status could benefit you
Who can apply for AEO status
Guide
To apply for Authorised Economic Operator status a business must:
- be a legal entity
- be established in Great Britain or Northern Ireland
- be actively involved in customs operations and international trade
- have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number
You can apply regardless of the size of your business.
You need to be part of the international supply chain, which starts from the manufacturing process through to delivery of goods using the import and export procedures.
You can apply if your business is new to customs and can clearly show the processes and procedures you have in place.
This includes:
- manufacturers
- exporters
- freight forwarders
- warehouse keepers
- customs agents
- carriers
- importers
- port operators
- secure freight parking operatives
- airline loaders
You’re still eligible to apply if you use the services of an agent for your customs matters.
If you’re a trader in Northern Ireland
All NI AEO authorisations will continue be recognised in the EU.
To be eligible to hold an NI authorisation, you need to be:
- established in NI
- have an EORI number beginning with XI
- a person who in the course of their business is involved in activities covered by customs legislation in NI