Customs Handling & AEO — accurate, fast, and hassle-free
Customs is a black box for many companies. At Aircargo.nl, it isn’t. As an AEO-certified customs broker, 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 cause delays, fines, and extra costs. Aircargo.nl takes full care of customs handling — from document preparation to final declaration with Customs. We work closely with customs authorities at Schiphol and are recognized as a reliable trader through our AEO certification.
AEO stands for Authorised 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 processing times at customs, less chance of inspections, and a partner who knows and follows the rules.
Our customs service includes:
- Export customs declaration (EX1 / ECS) for outbound 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, CO
- Support for special procedures: bonded warehouse, transit, temporary storage
- Direct and indirect representation under our own authorization as customs broker
- Proactively identifying risks and opportunities in your customs strategy
Aircargo's Customs Expertise
- AEO CertifiedAEO certified for your customs handling. Official recognition as a reliable trader for customs clearance with benefits for more efficient, faster, and smoother import and export procedures.
- Proactive AdviceProactive advice on HS codes, import duties, and customs tariffs. We assist with optimal customs codes, documents (such as T1, T2, EXA, export documents, IMA, clearance, CO, EUR1, ATR, COA), potential duty savings, and other import/export procedures.
- Complex RegulationsComplex customs rules: import, export, and customs documents. From import duties to export paperwork, we know all procedures and exceptions.
- Direct ContactsDirect contacts for fast customs clearance via Schiphol, Amsterdam. Thanks to our personal relationships with customs authorities, we provide quick solutions if any issues arise during customs processing.
Our Complete Set of Customs Licenses
- AEO-F — Authorised Economic Operator FullHighest customs status in the European Union — a combination of AEO-C and AEO-S. License number NL AEOF 0002440.
- ACE — Authorized ConsigneeGoods under customs control can arrive directly at our location without intervention from a customs office.
- ACR — Authorized ConsignorExport shipments under customs control may depart directly from our or your location.
- TST — Temporary StorageTemporary storage of non-EU goods up to 90 days under customs control.
- CGU — Continuous GuaranteeOur guarantee with Customs covers import duties, VAT, and transit obligations — you don’t need to provide a bank guarantee.
- SSE — Special Seal ModelWe use a special seal model recognized by Customs as equivalent.
- DPO — Deferred PaymentImport duties and VAT can be settled collectively — monthly instead of per shipment.
- CWP — Private Customs WarehousePrivate customs warehouse for long-term storage of non-EU goods under suspension of duties and VAT.
- ACP — Authorized Supplier of Union GoodsWe issue T2L and T2LF (proof of customs status for Union goods) ourselves without a customs office’s involvement.
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. An incorrect HS code can lead to overpaid or underpaid import duties — and fines if inspected. We advise you on the correct classification of your goods. Learn more on our HS codes page.
What AEO status does Aircargo.nl have and what are the benefits?
We hold the AEO-F status (Authorised Economic Operator Full) under license number NL AEOF 0002440 — the highest customs status in the EU, combining AEO-C (customs simplification) and AEO-S (security). For your shipment, this means faster processing times, lower risk of physical inspections, reduced security deposits, and mutual recognition with non-EU customs authorities. Learn more on our AEO-F page.
What customs licenses does Aircargo.nl hold?
In addition to AEO-F, we have a full set of licenses: Authorized Consignee (ACE), Authorized Consignor (ACR), Temporary Storage (TST up to 90 days), Continuous Guarantee (CGU), Special Seal Model (SSE), Deferred Payment (DPO), Private Customs Warehouse (CWP), and Authorized Supplier of Union Goods (ACP). This allows us to receive or dispatch goods directly at our location, issue T2L documents ourselves, and settle import duties collectively.
How long does customs clearance at Schiphol take?
With correct and complete documentation, clearance at Schiphol usually takes only a few hours. Thanks to our direct relationships with customs authorities at Schiphol and our AEO-F status (priority processing), we can respond quickly to issues and minimize delays.
All Customs Topics at a Glance
Ready to Work Together?
Request a no-obligation quote or contact us directly. We typically respond within 4 hours.
