On 28 January 2010 AVEBE U.A. was accredited by the Dutch Customs Administration for its locations and warehouses in the Netherlands and has now received the AEOF certificate.

AEO stands for Authorised Economic Operator. AEO is an initiative of the European Commission in response to the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September 2001. Since that time many countries have put measures in place to raise security in the transport chains (passenger and goods transport) and the concept of 'safety and security' has come to occupy an important position in European customs legislation. This includes AEO certification of the International Supply Chain, which is carried out by European Customs. Comparable accreditation systems are also operated in other countries, such as the US, China and Australia.

The 'F' in AEOF stands for 'Full', and indicates that a certificate has been received both for 'simplified customs procedures' and for 'safety and security'. This includes the security of the warehouse procedures being operated in relation to goods movements.

Companies engaged with international goods consignments (import/export) are eligible to apply for AEO. AEO is an important aspect of the partnership between the business sector and Customs. AEO-certified companies are regarded within the European Union as being safe and reliable, especially where customs activities and warehouse procedures are concerned. The advantage of this to Customs is that it can focus its import/export checks more closely on non-certified companies. Certified companies benefit from being subjected to fewer physical and administrative checks.

AVEBE will shortly be initiating procedures aimed at achieving AEO certification of the AVEBE locations in Germany and Sweden.

As well as the benefits concerning the physical export of our goods, the certificate will also be playing an important role in the commercial area. International buyers are expected to move increasingly towards doing business with AEO-certified European partners.