An Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) is a supplier who, in terms of his customs-relevant activities in the entire European Community, has been certified by the relevant national customs authorities and is therefore recognised as a reliable supplier entitled to certain customs handling benefits across the EU. The aim is to safeguard the supply chain from the manufacturer of a product to the final user. There are three types of AEO status:
- A Customs Simplification AEO certificate (AEO C)
- A Security and Safety AEO certificate (AEO S)
- A Combined Customs Simplification/Security and Safety AEO certificate (AEO F). Applications must be submitted to the relevant national customs authorities.