AEO-F Certified — License Number NL AEOF 0002440
Aircargo.nl holds AEO-F status — the highest customs status in 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 trustworthy by Customs themselves.
AEO stands for Authorised Economic Operator. It is a European customs status granted to companies that demonstrably meet strict requirements regarding customs compliance, financial solvency, practical competence, and (for AEO-S) supply chain security. The application and audit process takes six to twelve months, and existing AEO holders are periodically reassessed.
AEO comes in three types. AEO-C focuses on customs simplification — lower guarantees, priority in inspections, simplified declaration procedures. AEO-S focuses on supply chain security — prior notification for inspections, fewer security-related checks, mutual recognition by non-EU customs authorities. AEO-F is the combination of both. We hold AEO-F: the most comprehensive type.
Our AEO Status in Numbers
What AEO-F Delivers for You
- Faster Processing Times for Imports and ExportsDeclarations are prioritized by Customs. Fewer physical and document inspections, higher chance of receiving Selection Code 10 (release without inspection).
- Lower Financial GuaranteeFor imports, the guarantee for duties and VAT often needs to be only 30% of the standard amount — providing an immediate cash flow advantage.
- Prior Notification of InspectionsFor security-related inspections, an AEO-S or AEO-F holder receives advance notice, with the possibility to reschedule the inspection to a more logical location.
- Mutual Recognition with Non-EU CountriesThe EU has mutual recognition agreements with countries including the US (C-TPAT), Japan, China, Switzerland, and Norway. AEO status is recognized there as well, speeding up your clearance abroad.
- Required for Specific Customs LicensesSome licenses — like indirect representation in the Netherlands — require AEO criteria. We meet these highest standards.
- External Confirmation of ReliabilityAn AEO license holder undergoes Customs audits on processes, finances, and compliance. For your own risk assessment as a client, this is a verifiable benchmark.
Besides AEO-F, we hold a set of additional licenses that together form the complete customs package. Each license plays a specific role in speeding up or simplifying your shipment.
- AEO-F — Authorised Economic Operator FullHighest EU customs status. Combines AEO-C and AEO-S.
- ACE — Authorized ConsigneeWe may accept goods under customs control directly at our location without involvement of a customs office.
- ACR — Authorized ConsignorWe may dispatch export shipments under customs control directly from our or the customer's location.
- TST — Temporary Storage of GoodsWe may temporarily store goods for up to 90 days prior to customs clearance or transit.
- CGU — Continuous Guarantee (2x)Our continuous guarantee with Customs covers import duties, VAT, and transit obligations — you do not need to provide your own bank guarantee.
- SSE — Special Seal ModelWe may apply a special seal to shipments that is recognized as equivalent to customs seals.
- DPO — Deferred PaymentImport duties and VAT can be settled collectively — monthly instead of per shipment. A cash flow benefit for your company.
- CWP — Private Customs WarehousePrivate customs warehouse for long-term storage of non-EU goods under suspension of duties and VAT.
- ACP — Authorized Sender of Union GoodsWe may issue T2L and T2LF — proof of customs status of Union goods — without involvement of a customs office.
How Does AEO-F Differ from AEO-C and AEO-S?
AEO-C (Customs) focuses on customs simplifications. Holders get benefits in declaration procedures, lower guarantees, and priority in inspections. AEO-S (Safety) focuses on the safety of the supply chain: scanning follow-ups, facility surveillance, personnel and trading partners screening. AEO-F is the combination and the strictest variant — an AEO-F holder is audited by Customs on both customs processes and supply chain security.
Why Choose an AEO-Certified Partner?
The Dutch Customs publishes that more than 700 companies in the Netherlands are AEO-certified. This includes large multinationals but also specialized customs brokers and air freight forwarders like Aircargo.nl. Choosing an AEO partner offers you three concrete advantages. First: your shipment is processed faster by Customs. Second: you build a demonstrably reliable supply chain, which can be relevant for your own AEO application or audit. Third: in unexpected situations—inspection, missing document, reassessment—our status helps you quickly coordinate with Customs.
Our AEO Status Is Continuously Monitored
AEO is not a one-time certification. Customs perform periodic re-audits and can revoke a license if deficiencies are found. We continuously invest in our internal processes, training of customs professionals, and cooperation with customs authorities at Schiphol. Our AEO-F status is a daily working 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 regarding compliance, financial soundness, and (for AEO-S/AEO-F) supply chain security. The application procedure is a Customs audit taking six to twelve months.
What’s 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 Isn’t AEO Certified — Do I Still Benefit from Your Status?
If you do business with an AEO-certified customs broker, you indirectly benefit from expedited processing, lower inspection risk, 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 done via the EU Trader Portal. You fill out a self-assessment and are then audited by Customs. The entire process takes six to twelve months. We support our clients with advice on their own AEO journey, but only as advisors, not as certifying bodies.
What Is Mutual Recognition of AEO?
Mutual recognition means an EU AEO-certified company is also recognized as trusted by foreign customs authorities. The EU has agreements with the United States (via C-TPAT), Japan, China, Switzerland, Norway, and the United Kingdom, among others. For your exports, this sometimes means faster clearance on the other side.
AEO-F Certified Partner for Your Customs?
Would you like to have your shipment handled by an AEO-F certified customs broker? Request a quote and we’ll respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.