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.

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.

Yes, all our U.S. facilities are CTPAT certified, and our Antwerp, Belgium, five Germany locations (BiberachBremenFrankfurtGreven, and Stuttgart), three Italy locations (Milan, Milan – Life Sciences and Turin) and three U.K. locations (ExeterManchester and London) are also accredited AEOs.
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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.
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.

Take advantage of AEO benefits, partner with an industry-leading authorized economic operator

When you team up with the transportation logistics experts at AIT, you tap into a global network of flexible, dedicated professionals, with expertise and resources across every mode and channel. Start building your custom shipping solution.

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