Authorised Economic Operator status � for businesses involved in international supply chains
Published 29 May 2025
Description of Authorised Economic Operator authorisation
Authorised Economic Operator status is an internationally recognised standard. It shows your business’s role in the international supply chain is secure and has customs control procedures that meet Authorised Economic Operator standards.
»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýappre are 2 types of status:
- Authorised Economic Operator Security and Safety (AEOS)
- Authorised Economic Operator Customs Simplification (AEOC)Ìý
You can apply for just one status or you can apply for both.
Before you apply, make sure that you are ready for HMRC officers to visit your premises. This is because we will carry out checks including audit visits to see if you meet the criteria for the status you apply for.
Benefits and features of AEOS authorisation
If you hold this status, you could benefit from:Ìý
- a lower risk score which may reduce the number of checks customs carry out on your documents and goodsÌý
- your consignments receiving priority treatment for customs controlsÌý
- reduced declaration requirements for entry summary declarations and exit summary declarationsÌý
- reciprocal arrangements and mutual recognition schemes that the UK has in place with other customs authorities
All Northern Ireland Authorised Economic Operator authorisations are recognised in the EU.Ìý
To be eligible to hold a Northern Ireland authorisation, you need to:Ìý
- be established in Northern IrelandÌý
- have anâ€�EORI n³Ü³¾²ú±ð°ù starting XI
- be a person who in the course of their business is involved in activities covered by customs legislation in Northern Ireland
Benefits and features of AEOC authorisation
If you hold this status and are based in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), you could benefit from:Ìý
- a faster application process for customs simplifications and authorisationsÌý
- a lower risk score which may reduce the number of checks customs carry out on your documents and goodsÌý
- a guarantee waiver up to the level of your deferment accountÌý
If you hold this status and are a Northern Ireland trader, you could benefit from:Ìý
- a faster application process for customs simplifications and authorisationsÌý
- your consignments receiving priority treatment for customs controlsÌý
- a lower risk score which may reduce the number of checks customs carry out on your documents and goodsÌý
- a reduction or waiver of comprehensive guaranteesÌý
- a maximum 70% reduction in your business’s deferment account guaranteeÌý
- a notification waiver when using the making entries in the declarant’s records processÌý
- moving goods in temporary storage between different member states
Holding an AEOC authorisation can get you faster access to other customs authorisations because many of the application criteria are similar.