Customs certificate | Airlog Group

Customs co-operation

2008-
Air Logistics AB and Pro Logistics AB was awarded AEO-certificates 26/11, 2008 as one of the first companies in Sweden. AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) replaces the Stairec model and is a common European standard.

Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)
One of the main elements of the security amendment of the Common Customs Code (Regulation (EC) 648/2005) is the creation of the AEO concept.
On the basis of the Article 5a of the security amendments, Member States can grant the AEO status to any economic operator meeting the following criteria:
customs compliance, appropriate record-keeping, financial solvency and, where relevant, security and safety standards.

The status of authorized economic operator granted by one Member State is recognized by the other Member States. This does not automatically allow them to benefit from simplifications provided for in the customs rules in the other Member State. However, other Member States should grant the use of simplification to authorized economic operators if they meet specific requirements.

Economic operators can apply for an AEO status either to have easier access to customs simplifications or to be in a more favorable position to comply with the new security requirements. Under the security framework, which has been applicable since 1 July 2009, economic operators have to submit pre-arrival and pre-departure information on goods entering or leaving the EU. The security type of AEO certificate and the combined one allow their holders to benefit from facilities with regard to the new customs controls relating to security.

The detailed provisions are laid down in the amendment (by Regulation 1875/2006) of the Implementing Provisions of the Community Customs Code. These provisions were drafted on the basis of experiences from the AEO pilot conducted in 2006. Regulation (EC) 197/2010 has established new time limits for issuing the AOE cetificate.

Regulation (EC) No 1195/2008 aligns the rules for granting both the AEO certificate for customs simplifications and the single authorization for simplified procedures (SASP). Being an AEO facilities the process of achieving a single authorization for simplified procedures as the relevant criteria are deemed to be met.

The AEO Guidelines
The AEO Guidelines ensure harmonized implementation of the AOE rules throughout the EU, guaranteeing the equal treatment of economic operators and transparency of the rules.
Part One of the AEO Guidelines explains the AEO concept based on the adopted legislation, including:

Explanations about the different categories of AEO;
A specific section dedicated to Small and Medium sized Enterprizes (SME) with guidance on how to examine the AEO requirements if the applicant is an SME;
A section giving advice to customs authorities on how to speed up the authorization process;
Guidance for both customs authorities and trade on how to facilitate the procedure for parent/subsidary companies;
A description of the AEO benefits with indications on the relevant AEO category and on the timeframe for the application of particular benefit;
A complete explanation on the concept of “business partner’s security”;
An explanation, with concrete examples, for determening the competent Member State where the AEO application has to be submitted;
Guidance on how to preform monitoring after an AEO certificate has been issued.

Part Two contains the questionnaire, providing a list of points to assist both customs authorities and AEO applicants in assessing whether or not the AEO criteria are met.

2004-2008
We are the first independent forwarder to have been quality assured and certified by the Swedish customs for the top stage in the Stairway system, including the StairSec security module. The Stairway is a system, introduced by the Swedish Customs, for the creation and upholding of a number of effective processes which are to be utilized on a daily basis with a very high level of quality.

Stairsec is a supply chain security program. Hence companies certified within StairSec enjoy faster, more secure transport. The system is to be used in a partnership form between the Swedish Customs and the Airlog Group. This certification is the renewed foundation of close, long-term future co-operation between the Swedish Customs and the Airlog Group of companies.

Through using the Stairway system, we can manage business volumes together more easily and create more effective border controls with improved security in the goods flows that enter, leave or transit Sweden. This will provide a service which in turn will sharpen our customers’ competitive edge.