Advantages of Partnering with an Authorized Economic Operator
How AIT facilities’ status as authorized economic operators saves your business time, money
Read on for a quick definition of an authorized economic operator, as well as the AEO benefits, and find out why it pays to do business with economic operators like AIT Worldwide Logistics.
What are authorized economic operators (AEOs)?
According to the World Customs Organization (WCO), an authorized economic operator (AEO) is a party involved in the international movement of goods in whatever function that has been approved by or on behalf of a national customs administration as complying with WCO or equivalent supply chain security standards.
Formed to protect global supply chains from terrorism and other threats, AEO programs exist in countries around the world under various names. The U.S. AEO program, for example, is called the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT).
Beyond freight forwarders, AEOs can include manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, consolidators, ports, airports, terminal operators, warehouses, distributors and other organizations.
Are AIT’s facilities authorized economic operators?
Yes, all our U.S. facilities are CTPAT certified, and our Antwerp, Belgium, five Germany locations (Biberach, Bremen, Frankfurt, Greven, and Stuttgart) and three U.K. locations (Exeter, Manchester and London) are also accredited AEOs.
What are some AEO benefits? Do partnerships with economic operators help a business?
There are many AEO benefits. To start, working with an authorized economic operator to move your freight delivers priority customs clearance treatment, faster, more efficient shipments, as well as enhanced security and improved risk mitigation (i.e., less chance of food spoilage, customs delays, etc.). Learn more about why AEO accreditation is an internationally recognized mark of supply chain security and quality at cbp.gov.
What’s the difference between an AEO status and CTPAT membership?
Nothing! CTPAT (or the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is the U.S.-specific authorized economic operator program, overseen by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Countries all over the world (nearly every member of the WCO) have their own AEO programs. Learn more at cbp.gov.