A major concern for anyone trading across borders in the European Union must be the holding of trusted trader status (AEO) relating to customs simplification, security and safety. Although this offers great advantages to those operating in supply chains, many companies still do not hold this credential.
At the heart of the AEO is the possession of professional competence. This is generally ensured through training in the use of the new central customs code (CAC). In fact, companies with existing AEO status must comply with the CAC by May 2019. Without the necessary professional qualifications and in-house knowledge of CAC companies will not achieve AEO. Companies also need to register and obtain an Economic Operator Registration and Identification number in order to trade outside the EU and before they apply for AEO.
The lead time for obtaining AEO is around 12 months – so British companies, in particular, without the necessary in-house skills should hire them soon and get their applications in before the Brexit doomsday.