Customs Handling & AEO — accurate, fast, and hassle-free

Customs can be a black box for many businesses. At Aircargo.nl, it’s not. As an AEO-certified customs office, we handle all import and export formalities, proactively advise on your customs strategy, and ensure your shipment never gets held up by paperwork.

International trade comes with customs obligations. Incorrect declarations, wrong HS codes, or missing documents lead to delays, fines, and added costs. Aircargo.nl takes full control of the customs process — from preparing the documents to the final declaration to Customs. We work closely with the customs authorities at Schiphol and are recognized as a trusted trader as an AEO-certified company.

AEO stands for Authorized Economic Operator — a certification granted by European Customs to companies that demonstrably meet the highest standards in safety, reliability, and compliance. For you as a customer, this means: faster customs processing, lower risk of inspections, and a partner who knows and complies with the rules.

Our customs services include:

Export customs declaration (EX1 / ECS) for outgoing shipments
Import customs declaration and clearance — including VAT and import duties
HS code classification and advice on correct goods description
Calculation and optimization of import duties and preferential tariffs
Preparation of customs documents: T1, T2, EUR.1, A.TR, REX, COO
Assistance with special procedures: warehouse, transit, temporary storage
Direct and indirect representation under our own customs broker authorization
Proactive identification of risks and opportunities in your customs strategy

Aircargo’s Customs Expertise

AEO Certified

AEO certified for your customs handling. Official recognition as a trusted trader for customs clearance with benefits for more efficient, faster, and smoother import and export processing.
Proactive Advice

Proactive advice on HS codes, import duties, and customs tariffs. We assist with optimizing customs codes, documents (such as T1, T2, EXA, export documents, IMA, clearance, COO, EUR1, ATR, COA), potential savings on import duties, and other import/export procedures.
Complex Regulations

Complex customs regulations: import, export, and customs documents. From import duties to export paperwork — we know all procedures and exceptions.
Direct Contacts

Direct contacts for fast customs clearance through Schiphol, Amsterdam. Thanks to our personal relationships with customs authorities, we ensure quick solutions if any problems arise during customs processing.

Our Complete Set of Customs Authorizations

AEO-F — Authorized Economic Operator Full

Highest customs status in the European Union — combination of AEO-C and AEO-S. License number NL AEOF 0002440.
ACE — Authorized Consignee

Goods under customs control can arrive directly at our location without the involvement of a customs office.
ACR — Authorized Consignor

Export shipments under customs control may depart directly from our or your location.
TST — Temporary Storage

Temporary storage of non-EU goods up to 90 days under customs control.
CGU — Continuing Guarantee

Our guarantee with Customs covers import duties, VAT, and transit obligations — you don’t need to provide a bank guarantee.
SSE — Special Seal Model

We use a special seal recognized as equivalent by Customs.
DPO — Deferred Payment

Import duties and VAT can be settled collectively — monthly instead of per shipment.
CWP — Private Customs Warehouse

Private customs warehouse for long-term storage of non-EU goods suspended from duties and VAT.
ACP — Authorized Supplier of EU Goods

We issue T2L and T2LF (proof of customs status of EU goods) ourselves without involving a customs office.

Frequently Asked Questions About Customs Handling

What is an HS code and why is it important?

An HS code (Harmonized System code) is an international goods code that determines the applicable import duty rate on your shipment. Using the wrong HS code can lead to overpaying or underpaying import duties — and fines if checked. We advise you on the correct classification of your goods. Read more on our HS codes page.

What AEO status does Aircargo.nl have and what are the benefits?

We hold the AEO-F status (Authorized Economic Operator Full) under license number NL AEOF 0002440 — the highest customs status in the EU, a combination of AEO-C (customs simplification) and AEO-S (security). For your shipment, this means: faster processing times, lower chance of physical inspections, reduced security requirements, and mutual recognition with non-EU customs agencies. Read more on our AEO-F page.

What customs licenses does Aircargo.nl hold?

In addition to AEO-F, we hold a complete set of licenses: Authorized Consignee (ACE), Authorized Consignor (ACR), Temporary Storage (TST up to 90 days), Continuing Guarantee (CGU), Special Seal Model (SSE), Deferred Payment (DPO), Private Customs Warehouse (CWP), and Authorized Supplier of EU Goods (ACP). This allows us to receive goods directly at our facility or dispatch them directly, issue T2L documents ourselves, and settle import duties collectively.

How long does customs clearance take at Schiphol?

With correct and complete documentation, clearance at Schiphol usually takes just a few hours. Thanks to our direct relationships with customs authorities at Schiphol and our AEO-F status (priority handling), we can act quickly to solve issues and minimize delays.