AEO-F Certified. License Number: NL AEOF 0002440
Aircargo.nl holds the AEO-F status, the highest customs status within the European Union. This combines AEO-C (customs simplification) and AEO-S (security). What this means for you as a client: fewer inspections, faster processing times, and a customs partner recognized as reliable by Customs itself.
AEO stands for Authorised Economic Operator. It is a European customs status awarded to companies that demonstrably meet strict requirements in customs compliance, financial standing, practical competence, and (for AEO-S) supply chain security. The application and audit process takes six to twelve months, and current AEO holders are periodically re-evaluated.
AEO comes in three types. AEO-C focuses on customs simplification — lower guarantees, priority during inspections, simplified declaration procedures. AEO-S focuses on supply chain security — advance notice for inspections, fewer security-related checks, mutual recognition by non-EU customs authorities. AEO-F combines both. We hold AEO-F: the most comprehensive form.
Our AEO Status in Numbers
What AEO-F Brings You
- Faster processing times for import and exportDeclarations are prioritized by Customs. Fewer physical and document inspections, higher likelihood of Selection Code 10 notification (release without inspection).
- Lower financial guaranteesFor imports, the guarantee for import duties and VAT often only needs to be 30% of the standard amount — a direct cash flow advantage.
- Advance notice for inspectionsFor security-related inspections, an AEO-S or AEO-F holder receives advance notice, with the option to move the inspection to a more convenient location.
- Mutual recognition with non-EU countriesThe EU has mutual recognition agreements with, among others, the USA (C-TPAT), Japan, China, Switzerland, and Norway. AEO status is recognized there, speeding up customs clearance.
- Required for specific customs licensesSome licenses — such as indirect representation in the Netherlands — require AEO criteria. We meet this highest standard.
- External confirmation of reliabilityAn AEO license holder is audited by Customs on processes, finances, and compliance. For your own risk assessment as a client, this is a verifiable point of reference.
In addition to AEO-F, we hold a set of supplementary licenses that together form a complete customs package. Each license serves a specific role in speeding up or simplifying your shipment.
- AEO-F — Authorised Economic Operator FullHighest customs status in the EU. Combines AEO-C and AEO-S.
- ACE — Authorized ConsigneeWe may receive goods under customs control directly at our premises without involving a customs office.
- ACR — Authorized ConsignorWe may dispatch export shipments under customs control directly from our location or the customer’s premises.
- TST — Temporary Storage of GoodsWe may temporarily store goods for up to 90 days prior to clearance or transit.
- CGU — Continuous Guarantee (2x)Our continuous guarantee with Customs covers import duties, VAT, and transit obligations — you don’t have to provide a bank guarantee yourself.
- SSE — Special Seal ModelWe may apply a special seal for shipments recognized as equivalent to customs seals.
- DPO — Deferred PaymentImport duties and VAT can be paid in aggregated monthly settlements instead of per shipment. A cash flow advantage for your business.
- CWP — Private Customs WarehousePrivate customs warehouse for long-term storage of non-EU goods under suspension of import duties and VAT.
- ACP — Authorized Issuer of Union GoodsWe may issue T2L and T2LF documents ourselves — proof of customs status for Union goods — without involving a customs office.
How does AEO-F differ from AEO-C and AEO-S?
AEO-C (Customs) targets customs simplifications. Holders receive benefits in declaration procedures, lower guarantees, and priority inspections. AEO-S (Safety) focuses on supply chain security: scanner monitoring, facility security, screening of staff and trade partners. AEO-F combines both and is the strictest form — an AEO-F holder is audited by Customs for both customs processes and supply chain security.
Why choose an AEO-certified partner?
Customs Netherlands reports that over 700 companies in the Netherlands are AEO-certified. This includes large multinationals but also specialized customs and air freight forwarders like Aircargo.nl. Choosing an AEO partner gives you three concrete advantages. First: your shipment joins a faster clearance stream at Customs. Second: you build a demonstrably reliable supply chain, which can be important for your own AEO application or audit. Third: in unexpected situations — inspection, missing document, reassessment — our status helps quickly coordinate with Customs.
Our AEO status is continuously monitored
AEO is not a one-time certification. Customs conducts periodic reaudits and can revoke licenses if shortcomings are found. We continuously invest in our internal processes, training customs professionals, and cooperation with customs authorities at Schiphol. Our AEO-F status is a daily tool, not just a plaque on the wall.
Frequently Asked Questions about AEO
What exactly is AEO?
AEO stands for Authorised Economic Operator. It is a European customs status for companies that demonstrably meet strict requirements in compliance, financial standing, and (for AEO-S/AEO-F) supply chain security. The application process involves a six to twelve-month audit by Customs.
What is the difference between AEO-F, AEO-C, and AEO-S?
AEO-F is the combination of AEO-C (customs simplification) and AEO-S (security). It is the most comprehensive form and considered the highest customs status in the EU. Our AEO-F license number is NL AEOF 0002440.
My company is not AEO — do I still benefit from your status?
If you do business with an AEO-certified customs forwarder, you indirectly benefit from faster processing, a lower chance of inspections, and mutual recognition by non-EU customs authorities. Our AEO-F status positively impacts your shipment itself.
Can Aircargo.nl help me apply for my own AEO status?
The application is made via the EU Trader Portal. You complete a self-assessment and then undergo an audit by Customs. The entire process takes six to twelve months. We support our customers with advice on their own AEO journey if desired — as advisors, not as the certifying authority.
What is mutual recognition of AEO?
Mutual recognition means that an EU company certified as AEO is also considered reliable by foreign customs authorities. The EU has agreements with, among others, the United States (via C-TPAT), Japan, China, Switzerland, Norway, and the United Kingdom. For your export, this sometimes means faster clearance on the other side.
AEO-F Certified Partner for Your Customs Needs?
Would you like your shipment handled by an AEO-F certified customs broker? Request a quote, and we will respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.