Schalksmühle, 01.03.2022. Increasing globalization and the changing international security situation have prompted the World Customs Organization (WCO) to create a global framework for modern effective risk management in customs administrations.

Following the repeal of the Customs Code and the Customs Code Implementing Regulation on April 30, 2016, the provisions of the Union Customs Code (UCC), the Implementing Regu-lation (IA) and the Delegated Regulation (DA) now apply. The introduction of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) is a key element of the EU security concept.

Since January 1, 2008, companies located in the European Union and involved in customs operations can apply for the status of “Authorized Economic Operator”. In the fall of 2021, au-diting by the main customs office began at Lumberg for the sites in Schalksmühle and Clop-penburg, which has now been completed at the beginning of the year with the granting of the AEO authorization “Customs Simplifications” (AEO-Customs).

The basic prerequisite for obtaining this status is an application to the relevant main customs office. The main customs office in whose district the applicant’s main accounting department is located is responsible. The aim is to secure the continuous international supply chain from the manufacturer of a product to the end consumer. This requires worldwide recognition of the AEO status. So far, agreements have been signed with Switzerland, Norway, Japan, the USA and China. Further negotiations with third countries (e.g. Canada) are currently underway. The status of Authorized Economic Operator is valid in all member states and is not limited in time.

The authorized economic operator is a company audited in accordance with EU customs law, which enjoys certain privileges. These include numerous benefits in the area of security-related customs controls and simplifications in accordance with customs regulations.

Lumberg is now considered particularly reliable and trustworthy and can therefore take ad-vantage of special benefits in the context of customs clearance. In order to maintain its AEO status, the company must undergo regular inspections by the responsible customs authority. This verifies and guarantees complete compliance with the regulations.