Authorised economic operator certificate for Aviapartner Cargo Amsterdam

Amsterdam, 8 April 2009

Aviapartner Cargo is proud to announce that it has been certified by the Dutch Customs Organisation for the Authorised Economic Operator certificate for both Customs Simplifications and Security requirements as from 11 April 2009!

The AEO scheme is one of a series of measures being coordinated by the World Customs Organization as part of a multi-layered approach to facilitating trade and making supply chains more secure and controlled. In adopting the AEO regime, the EU is aligning with similar measures introduced by other countries, including the USA. The scheme provides legitimate businesses with a quality mark, which will demonstrate that their internal controls and procedures are efficient and compliant.

One of the purposes behind the creation of the AEO scheme is to create linkage with the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) measures in the USA. Such recognition, due in summer 2009, would allow companies registered under either scheme to enjoy fast-track Customs clearance into the USA.

With the certification for the AEO Customs Simplifications and Security certificate Aviapartner Cargo will focus on the available benefits in order to optimize cargo-handling efficiency and to reduce costs and lead time for the benefit of its customers.

These benefits include the following:

•   a lower risk score which will be incorporated into customs' risk management systems and be used to determine the frequency of customs physical and documentary checks.

•   consignments may be fast tracked through customs controls. However if selected for examination, an AEO consignment will receive priority over non AEO's.

•   when the requirement to make pre-arrival /pre-departure summary declarations is introduced in July 2009, AEO's will be able to omit certain data elements from thedeclaration.

• recognized status across the EC.

This certification as Authorised Economic Operator is a major additional quality label for Aviapartner towards its customers. Besides the ISO 9001 certificate, Aviapartner Cargo also has the BRI 13001/02 Good and Secure Cargo Practices certificate and status of Recognized Cargo Agent according to European legislation (2320/2002) in Amsterdam. The AEO certificate shows that processes within Aviapartner Cargo Amsterdam are well organized and that we are ready to be a part and partner of the EU Customs strategy for the next decade.

For more information about AEO please visit: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/policy_issues/customs_security/aeo/index_en.htm

Authorized Economic Operator certificate for Aviapartner Cargo Amsterdam