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operator to AEO status. The control officer should inform AEO Section of any specific
risks or controls which have been identified and which may need to be monitored on
an ongoing basis.
 Once the evaluation has been completed, the control officer will provide AEO Section
with a report on the economic operator, which contains a recommendation as to
whether AEO status should be granted.
 Based on the recommendation from the control officer, AEO Section will issue an AEO
authorization to the economic operator. The authorization takes effect on the 5th
working day after its issue.
Monitoring Re-assessment and Suspension of Authorization
Once an economic operator is authorized, the control officer monitors the compliance of the
AEO with the conditions referred to in the relevant authorization, and eventually re-assesses
the operator.
The AEO Section suspends AEO status if the qualifying criteria are no longer met, or if there is
suspicion of an act giving rise to criminal court proceedings or breach of Customs rules has
been carried out by the AEO.
Benefits of the AEO program
AEO certified firms benefit from specific facilitations at the Customs control points when their
products enter or leave the EU. Benefits differ according to the type of AEO certification (Table
2.2) and include:
 A recognized status as a safe business partner across the EU
 Fewer physical and document-based controls with a fast track for shipments through
Customs controls
 Prior notification if selected for control
 Priority treatment if selected for inspection with a possibility for the operator to
choose the location of inspection
 Indirect and/or commercial benefits, such as reduced incidences of theft or losses in
transit, better communication with partners in the supply chain, and improved
customer confidence.
In addition to these benefits, AEOC holders benefit from easier access to Customs
simplifications, while AEOS and AEO-Full holders can potentially benefit from by Mutual
Recognition Agreements and reciprocal arrangements with third countries.