The first training initiative in Ireland on Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status has been launched by the Irish Exporters Association (IEA).

The programme aims to assist importers and exporters in reaching best practise in international supply chain.

On top of this, the course will support importers and exporters in complying with the Union Customs Code (UCC) and to modernise and enhance the way in which goods flow across the international supply chain.

The IEA AEO course will be delivered through a series of one day workshops. Attendees will learn how to perform AEO self-assessment, gap analysis and risk assessment, providing businesses with the tools they need to independently develop, apply for and maintain AEO status.

AEO is a standard issued by customs administrations in the EU to businesses involved in the import and export of goods. AEO status certifies that businesses have reached certain standards in relation to their security arrangements, management systems, compliance with customs rules and procedures and on-going solvency.

Being AEO certified will provide companies with very attractive benefits such as: a low security risk; customs simplifications; very low examination rates; priority clearance of goods; and significant financial savings on various customs bonds.

Course modules:

1. AEO self-assessment, gap analysis and risk assessment; how to go about the planning processes and guidance on completing the self-assessment questionnaire
2. Providing businesses with the tools to apply, maintain and develop AEO approval
3. Key information relating to the practical impact of being an AEO
4. Written procedures and internal processes required by businesses and how to link them into existing quality procedures and check lists
5. How to plan and manage your AEO working groups across multiple departments
6. The AEO application process
7. AEO and the UCC and how this may increase the benefits of being an AEO and the effect of the new law on other authorisations and customs simplifications/procedures
8. Maintaining AEO compliance – best practices impact of being an AEO

This course is targeted at individuals and teams employed by logistics/forwarding companies and global manufacturers who need to understand how to obtain and maintain AEO certification in Ireland:

1. Managers responsible for customs, trade, quality and compliance
2. Financial Directors and Managers
3. Supply Chain and logistics professionals
4. Security managers who are responsible for compliance with AEO safety and security

Eligibility criteria

• Company must be a registered small business (250 employees or less) with either an annual turnover < €50m
• The assistance requested must relate to a cross-border issue
• You must be a manufacturing or internationally tradable service company

All enquiries on the process to apply for funding to brexit@intertradeireland.com