Get Authorised Economic Operator status

Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status is an internationally recognised standard. It shows that your role in the international supply chain is secure and that your customs controls meet HMRC's criteria. In return, HMRC treats you as lower risk and you can get faster authorisations and lower guarantees.

Who can apply

You can apply whatever the size of your business if you are a legal entity established in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, you are actively involved in customs operations and international trade, and you have an EORI number. Importers, exporters, manufacturers, freight forwarders, customs agents, carriers, warehouse keepers and port operators can all apply. You can still apply if a customs agent handles your declarations.

Choose the type of status

With security and safety status you can benefit from mutual recognition arrangements, which can mean faster clearance and fewer interventions at partner borders. The UK has arrangements with Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, the European Union, China, the United States and Turkey.

What HMRC checks

• Your tax and customs compliance over the last 3 years, including how you find and report errors and how you handle controlled goods.
• Your customs record keeping: an audit trail through your logistics system, documented procedures and controls that detect irregular transactions.
• Your financial solvency over the last 3 years, with management accounts and projections if you have traded for less time.
• For customs simplification, practical competence in customs matters over the previous 3 years, held by a person based in the UK or met by using a customs agent.
• For security and safety, a risk assessment, secure premises and cargo areas, supplier security agreements, staff screening and training.

HMRC takes the size and complexity of your business into account. A small business does not need complex systems, but they must suit what it does.

How to apply

1. Read the criteria and gather documented evidence of your procedures before you start. Applying confirms that you are ready for an audit visit.
2. Have a responsible person, such as a director or partner, apply using the online form with your EORI number and Government Gateway sign-in. A group must apply separately for each legal entity.
3. Finish the form within 28 days of starting it.
4. Make your customs managers and key staff available for HMRC's audit visits, where HMRC checks your documents and tests your systems.
5. Expect a decision within 120 days of HMRC receiving your application.

After you are authorised

HMRC keeps checking that you meet the standards. You must tell HMRC within 30 days of any change that affects your status, such as a change to your legal entity, name or address, the people responsible for customs matters, your accounting or computer systems, or the sites involved in your supply chain.