Introduction to AEO - Authorized operator

Operators who can claim the status of Authorised Economic Operator

The customs office of Žilina as an authority office in the Slovak Republic accepted the application for granting the status of authorized economic operator in accordance with the wording of Article I of the Commission Regulation (EC) no. 2454/1993, we quote: "Economic operator means a person who is part of its business involved in activities covered by customs legislation". Slovak translation is therefore that provision as vague as it was published, because the interpretation " involved "is translated as" deals ", but in practical terms it is of importance" to participate, to be involved. "

Original version (EN) The provisions of Article 1, paragraph 1, 2:

"Economic operator means: a person who, in the course of his business, is involved in activities covered by customs legislation."

The legal definition of "operator" does not include the term "involvement in activities covered by customs legislation" from which it is clear that it is not limited to direct participation in activities covered by customs legislation. In this case, it is possible to apply the possibilities of representation, respectively. such as mediation. form of representation as defined in Article 5 of the TA. For example, a manufacturer who produces goods for export may apply for AEO status even if the export formalities are carried out by another person. The applicant for a certificate of an authorized economic operator must have a registration number EORI (check his assignment in the EORI database ).

The supplier based in the EU, making the delivery of goods contained in free circulation in the EU, the manufacturer can not meet the criteria for granting AEO status, so that the customs authorities accept an application from such an entity. This also applies to the shipping company, carrying only goods in free circulation in the customs territory of the Community, which may not meet the criteria for adopting the AEO application.

Under the adopted concept of AEO under Safety and enables operators to deal with goods under customs supervision, or work with the data related to these goods may request the status of authorized economic operator type S "and safety."

The European Commission publishes a list of operators that have been certified for its web site at AEO database by Member State and type of AEO.

Coordination of communication within the audit

It is recommended that applicants to adequately prepare before the audit. It is essential that the operator ensure a coordinated and seamless communication among its divisions in order to enable effective auditing.

Categorization traders, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMSE)

1. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMSE) are businesses that employ fewer than 250 persons and which have an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million and / or annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million.
2. Small business in the SMSE is defined as an enterprise which employs fewer than 50 persons and whose annual turnover and / or annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 10 million.
3. The micro SMSE is defined as an enterprise which employs fewer than 10 persons and whose annual turnover and / or annual balance sheet total does not exceed EUR 2 million.

Specific features and operation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMSE)

Article 14 a) in paragraph 2 Implementing Provisions of the Customs Code (IPCC) provides legal obligation when customs authorities shall take into account the specific characteristics of economic operators, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Criteria under the provisions of Articles till 14g till 14k to apply to all businesses regardless of their size. However, to distinguish the means of compliance, which are directly related to the size and complexity of the business, the type of goods, which is engaged in a pod. The specifics of the customs authorities in assessing compliance with the criteria adequately take into account the fact that do not impose unreasonable demands on the applicant for the size and nature of its business operations and conditions of its functioning.

Mutual recognition

Currently, the EU has concluded agreements on mutual recognition with Japan and the USA. Economic operators holding AEO S / F and perform the export formalities for the EU's external border, when imported into these countries (Japan, USA) for companies in these countries, which hold the status will be granted them benefits when imported into the EU. It should be noted that the benefits to U.S. exporters should be introduced at the beginning of 2013.

Completion of negotiations and implementation of agreements with Norway and Switzerland should be given the current state implemented by the end of 2012. Negotiations with China are ongoing, it is hoped that it could be completed in the period 2013 - 2014. Negotiations with Canada, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea should begin shortly.