Customs Handling & AEO — accurate, fast and without surprises
Customs is a black box for many companies. At Aircargo.nl, it is not. As an AEO-certified customs office, we handle all import and export formalities, proactively think along about your customs strategy, and ensure your shipment never gets stuck in paperwork.
International trade brings customs obligations. Incorrect declarations, wrong HS codes, or missing documents lead to delays, fines, and extra costs. Aircargo.nl takes care of the entire customs handling — from document preparation to the final declaration with 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 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 customs processing times, less chance of inspections, and a partner who knows and complies with 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, EUR1, ATR, COO, CVO
- Assistance with special procedures: warehouse, active/passive processing
- Fiscal representative for imports for non-EU companies
- Proactively identifying risks and opportunities in your customs strategy
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 which import duty rate applies to your shipment. An incorrect HS code can lead to too much or too little import duty paid — and fines during inspection. We advise you on the correct classification of your goods.
What are the benefits of Aircargo.nl’s AEO status for my shipment?
If you do business via an AEO-certified partner, you benefit from faster customs handling, less chance of physical inspections, and smoother flow through Schiphol. Our AEO status is a direct advantage for your supply chain.
Can Aircargo.nl also act as a fiscal representative?
Yes. For non-EU companies importing goods into the EU, we can act as a fiscal representative. This means we handle the VAT obligations on imports on your behalf, so you do not need an EU VAT registration.
How long does customs handling at Schiphol take?
With correct and complete documentation, clearance at Schiphol typically takes just a few hours. Thanks to our direct relationships with customs authorities at Schiphol, we can quickly act on issues and minimize delays.
Ready to collaborate?
Request a no-obligation quote or contact us directly. We typically respond within 4 hours.