AEO
Ibercóndor, since 2 November 2009, holds AEO certification from the Public Tax Administration, in AEOF, its maximum category.
Authorised Economic Operator is the denomination given to companies involved in the international movement of goods that fulfil security standards established in the reform of the community regulations with regard to customs, whatever the function may be in the supply chain.
“Desgination as an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) implies having a 'fast pass' for clearing customs,” explained the General Director of Customs, Nicolás Bonilla, in a seminar about community security in international trade. Source: EFE Agency – 26 February 2008
“....if you don´t have AEO in six or eight years, you will not be working in the world of international trade,” expressed the Spanish Director Of Customs, Nicolás Bonilla. Source: Diario del Puerto – 21 April 2010
The AEO has its origins in the terrorist attacks of September 2001, which urged a redefinition of security measures that would permit control of the international supply chain by national authorities without harming trade. From there a representative co-responsible body for these new procedures was sought, the AEO.
But it´s not merely the fight against the threat of terrorism, but also a collaboration in the fight against organized crime, and in the realms of consumer and environmental protection.
There are three types of certifications, depending on how demanding the requirements are and how great the benefits derived from them:
• Authorized Economic Operator Customs certificate (AEOC)
• Authorized Economic Operator Security certificate (AEOS)
• Authorized Economic Operator Full certificate (AEOF)
• Satisfactory record of fulfiling customs requirements.
• Adequate system for management of commercial records as well as transport records, which allow for suitable customs control.
• Accredited financial solvency.
• Adequate levels of security.
Advantages of holding AEO certification
|
|
AEOC
|
AEOS
|
AEOF
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| Increased facility of access to customs simplifications |
X
|
|
X
|
| Fewer physical and documental checks |
X
|
X
|
X
|
| Priority in checks |
X
|
X
|
X
|
| Possibility of designating a specific place for customs checks |
X
|
X
|
X
|
| Presentation of incoming and outcoming summary declarations with reduced information |
|
X
|
X
|
| Previous notification of a decision to carry out a physical inspection |
|
X
|
X
|
But, along with these advantages, often another series of benefits are mentioned, such as simpler access to customs, indirect improvements and international recongition in commercial relations.
Recognition at the European level and globally
Currently the European Union is negotiating agreements with the United States, China, Norway, Switzerland and Iceland to achieve a mutual recognition with similar figures. Also with Latin American countries there is a desire to find common positions.
Japan has already recognised the AEO status, published in the Official Journal of the European Union See article
A tireless effort has garnered us this recognition, which culminates obtaining the AEO, granted by the Administration.
It carries with it a call to be much more rigorous in our work, given that our level of responsibility in this new security procedure and the application of the New Customs Code, is greater, and we are a key piece in its development.
A relevant detail is that while applying for AEO status is voluntary, all members agree that the figure of AEO will be key in the customs sector of the future.
In Europe there now exist 1,200 AEO certificates, and in Spain the figure is around 70.
Since November 2009 
