Number of AEO Authorised Economic Operators

This table shows the number of AEO-certified companies per calendar year. The AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) is a status granted by customs services to companies that meet specific criteria specified in EU customs legislation. It offers them facilities for international trade. The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) concept is based on the Customs-Enterprise partnership introduced by the World Customs Organisation (WCO). AEOs are economic operators who meet a number of criteria set out in the Union Customs Code and who voluntarily apply for AEO status. They work closely with customs authorities to achieve the common goal of securing the supply chain and can benefit from advantages within the EU and internationally. Recognition is not only valid in Belgium, but throughout the European Union and in countries that have signed an agreement on mutual recognition. This means that similar programmes in third countries and the EU AEO programme are considered equivalent. Agreements already exist with Switzerland, Andorra, Japan, Norway, the United States and China.