What Is AEO and What Is It For?

AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) is an important certification program that provides reliability, speed, and convenience in international trade. Introduced by the World Customs Organization, this system grants certain privileges in customs procedures to companies engaged in foreign trade, allowing commercial operations to be carried out more efficiently. In Türkiye, the AEO certificate, implemented by the Ministry of Trade, offers a status that saves time in logistics processes and increases competitiveness in international trade.

What Is AEO and What Is It For?

AEO is a certification system created to enhance reliability in international trade. This certificate officially confirms that companies conduct their customs-related activities in a lawful, transparent, and secure manner.

The AEO certificate is granted to companies that meet specific criteria as a result of audits carried out by the customs administration. In this way, these companies are recognized as trustworthy actors in foreign trade and gain prestige at the international level.

The main purpose of AEO is to speed up foreign trade processes, ensure security in customs procedures, and establish standardization in the global supply chain. In this respect, the AEO certificate not only benefits companies but also contributes to increasing security and efficiency throughout international trade.

Who Can Become an AEO?

The AEO certificate is granted only to companies that meet certain criteria. To be eligible to apply, a company must first be actively involved in foreign trade. Companies that play an active role in import, export, logistics, and customs clearance processes may qualify for this certificate.

In addition, companies must have sufficient financial capacity, maintain orderly records, and comply with the necessary procedures in terms of reliability. Therefore, the AEO certificate is only issued to businesses with strong institutional capacity that manage customs processes in a transparent manner.

Conditions and Criteria

(This heading refers to the set of requirements described in the following sections.)

Benefits of AEO

The AEO certificate offers significant advantages to businesses engaged in foreign trade at both national and international levels. Holding this certificate not only facilitates customs procedures but also enhances a company’s reliability, strengthens its competitiveness, and improves its position within the supply chain.

Speed and Convenience in Customs Procedures

Shipments of AEO-certified companies are processed on a priority basis at customs. As a result, documents are checked faster and unnecessary inspections may be waived. The acceleration of procedures provides time savings in both export and import operations. This is a major advantage for companies, especially in time-sensitive shipments.

International Prestige and Reliability

The AEO certificate is an official assurance that a company engages in transparent and legally compliant trade. This serves as a strong reference for international business partners. Foreign customers and suppliers tend to prefer working with AEO-certified companies and feel greater confidence in such commercial relationships. This helps companies build a strong reputation in global markets.

Reduced Logistics Costs

Being subject to fewer customs inspections means shorter waiting times and lower storage costs. Thanks to these advantages, AEO-certified companies can achieve significant savings in their logistics expenses. Lower costs create opportunities for more competitive pricing and thus strengthen the company’s position in the market.

Shorter Processing Times

With the AEO certificate, customs processes become more predictable and faster. The time spent on paperwork is reduced, which accelerates the flow of goods and shortens delivery times. This creates a major advantage in the supply chain, particularly for companies with high export volumes.

Competitive Advantage in Exports

Having an AEO certificate allows companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Faster delivery, lower costs, and high reliability together form a significant competitive advantage in exports. Thanks to this advantage, companies can capture new business opportunities in international markets and build stronger relationships with their existing partners.

Where to Apply for AEO?

In Türkiye, AEO applications are received by the Directorate General for Risk Management and Control of the Ministry of Trade. The application process is first initiated electronically. Companies log into the Ministry’s online system, complete the application form, and upload the required documents in digital form.

After the application is submitted, a comprehensive evaluation is carried out by the Ministry. In this evaluation, the company’s financial structure, commercial history, record-keeping, level of regulatory compliance, and security standards are examined in detail. During the review process, on-site inspections may also be conducted at the company’s facilities if deemed necessary.

If all criteria are met, the company is issued an AEO certificate and this is officially announced. The certificates remain valid indefinitely. However, if any non-compliance with regulations is detected in the company’s activities, the certificate may be revoked. For this reason, companies holding the certificate are required to fully comply with legal regulations and security standards even after the application process is completed.

How to Apply? (Step by Step)

The main steps companies need to follow in order to obtain an AEO certificate are as follows:

1) Preliminary Preparation and Gap Analysis

Before applying for AEO, a systematic gap analysis should be carried out by comparing the current situation with the relevant legislation and criteria. Deficiencies in areas such as financial adequacy, record-keeping, security, and regulatory compliance are identified, a timeline is drawn up, and a responsible team is appointed. Process flows (import, export, warehousing, dispatch) are documented in writing and a risk analysis is prepared.

2) Establishment of Internal Compliance Program and Security Policies

A corporate “customs and trade compliance manual” is prepared. Standard operating procedures (SOPs), job descriptions, authority matrices, criteria for selecting suppliers/subcontractors, and visitor/access policies are documented. Employee training plans, attendance records, and exam minutes are compiled. Physical security (entry–exit controls, CCTV, sealing), information security (backups, logging), and emergency plans are clearly defined.

3) Preparation of Documents

It is critically important that all documentation required in the application is complete and up to date:

• Corporate documents: Trade registry records, signature circulars, certificate of activity.

• Financial documents: Statement confirming no outstanding tax debts, financial statements and audit reports for recent years.

• Operational documents: Import/export lists, process flowcharts, traceability records, stock and warehouse procedures.

• Security documents: Facility layout plan, access authorizations, visitor procedures, seal and lock management, fire and emergency plans.

• HR and training records: Security and compliance training, attendance lists, policy acknowledgment forms.

4) Submitting the Electronic Application

The company logs into the Ministry of Trade’s online application portal, enters company information and selects the intended scope, and completes all forms without omission. The requested documents are uploaded in the specified format. Consistency and currency of the declarations are checked carefully, and the application number is recorded.

5) Preparing and Submitting the Physical File

The documents supporting the electronic application are compiled into an orderly file structure (table of contents, dividers, numbering). Pages requiring wet signatures are completed and submitted to the designated unit within the given deadline. The receipt information and document registration number are kept on file.

6) Preliminary Review and Correspondence

The Ministry carries out a preliminary review of the file in terms of form and content. If necessary, additional information or documents may be requested. At this stage, responses must be clear, evidence-based, and submitted on time. If any inconsistencies are identified, corrective declarations are made.

7) On-Site Audit (Facility Inspection)

Officials conduct a site visit to inspect warehouse/production areas, security measures, traceability of records, and the practical implementation of procedures. Random file sampling, staff interviews, and process verifications are carried out. It must be demonstrated that the system does not only exist on paper but is also reflected in day-to-day operations.

8) Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)

For any non-conformities identified, a root cause analysis is performed. A corrective/preventive action plan (responsible person, target date, evidence) is drawn up. Once the actions are completed, a closure response is submitted along with supporting documentation. If necessary, a second verification may be conducted.

9) Certification and Definition of Scope

If the evaluation is positive, the AEO certificate is issued. The scope of the certificate (facilities, processes) is clearly defined. The necessary entries are made in the relevant information systems, stakeholders are informed, and internal company procedures are updated to reflect the “AEO status.”

10) Post-Certification Maintenance and Improvement

Continuity is essential for maintaining AEO status. Periodic internal audits are conducted, measurements and reports are prepared. Corporate changes, updates in address/name/organization, and significant incidents are reported in a timely manner. Trainings are renewed, documents are kept up to date, and supply chain security controls are reviewed regularly. Procedures are revised in line with changes in legislation.