If you browse through the European Commission's AEO Database you will see that there are already 1844 certificate holders approved across the EU. In Ireland 27 companies have been granted certification.

It is interesting to note that the approvals include major companies across IT, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Food and Logistical Services. If you consider that the stated aim of the AEO is to secure each link in the supply chain, it soon becomes obvious that suppliers of goods and services to approved companies will also be required to implement at least some basic supply chain security measures and in certain cases be obliged to obtain AEO certification.

January 2010

The arrival of 2008 sees many companies engaging with the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) concept. State agencies and industry bodies have done much to promote the concept. It is now gaining general acceptance that achieving AEO status will soon become an industry standard. Companies must act now in order to ensure that they gain the benefits that are to be obtained from the program.

There is an ever increasing focus on supply chain security as supply chains expand across the globe. Cargo theft and counterfeit products are a major concern to business. Government and Customs are seeking to prevent terrorist threat while at the same time facilitating trade. Supply chain security programs such as the AEO program introduce a common set of security standards under which both government and industry can work.

Engaging with the AEO and upcoming changes in the way we deal with customs opens up new opportunities for greater competitiveness in the market place.

See our paper on the Authorised Economic Operator here ( 105 Kb).

                     October 2008

For a more detailed consultation use the contact form here or Tel: + 353 21 4891333

European Commission publishes re-cast regulation controlling exports and related transactions of dual-use items.

28.05.2009

This regulation introduces new controls on Brokering activities and Transit of non-community dual-use items through EU territory. The regulation also updates the list of dual-use items that are subject to export controls.

The regulation "Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009" can be found here.

For information on how this regulation may affect you contact us.

US technology companies are becoming increasingly concerned about additional tariffs (Customs Duty) that have been imposed by the EU on certain information technology products. The US companies argue that certain products qualify for duty free treatment under the 1997 Information Technology Agreement (ITA), such products now contain features that did not exist when the agreement came into effect.

One example is that of computer monitors which were treated as duty free under the ITA, now the EU imposes 14% duty on flat screen monitors that exceed 19 inches. The EU regards these as televisions which are not covered by the ITA.

The advent of new technologies is of concern for other products such as all in one printers, set-top boxes and digital cameras with a video record function.

Want to know more contact us.

If you wish to explore in greater detail any of the topics discussed below you may contact us without obligation for an initial consultation.

03.11.2009 - Asia Pacific Business Advisory report recommends that APEC economies implement AEO programs that allow for mutual recognition.

This is just one of a number of recommendations aimed at stimulating economic growth in the region.

The full report may be viewed here.

17.09.2009 - European Commission and Japan hold 2nd Joint Customs Co-operation Committee meeting.

Comment: The committee is planning to formalise a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) on their respective Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programs by 2010.

The press release can be seen here

28.05.2009 - European Commission publishes recast regulation controlling exports and related transactions of dual-use items.

This regulation introduces new controls on Brokering activities and Transit of non-community dual-use items through EU territory. The regulation also updates the list of dual-use items that are subject to export controls.

The regulation "Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009" can be found here.

01.01.2009 - New GSP Scheme from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2011

The new GSP Scheme will maintain preferential access to EU markets for 176 developing countries. While the list of sensitive and non-sensitive products and the rate of duty reductions remain unchanged, there are some notable changes that will apply from January 2009.

In order to gain the benefit of GSP, products must meet the appropriate origin rules.

For information on how you can benefit from the GSP Scheme contact us.

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15.02.2008 - EU warns of problems with GSP (Form A) imports of textiles from Bangladesh.

Comment: The EU has found that a significant number of Form A origin certificates issued in Bangladesh were either false or issued on the basis of fraudulent or misleading information. Importers are advised to take steps to ensure that textiles and clothing imported under cover of GSP Form A, meet the origin rules for preferential treatment.

This warning relates to textiles and clothing falling under Chapters 61 and 62 of the Customs Tariff. Clothing articles include cotton t-shirts of which Bangladesh was the second largest supplier to the EU in 2006

The risk to importers is that customs duties as high as 12% could be applied to imports if Form A's are found not valid. There is an additional risk that duties may be backdated.

For information on actions that should be undertaken contact us

10.07.2007 - Possible reduced duty on wireless headsets.

Comment: The EU has proposed to amend CN code 8517 62 00 in order to include "wireless headsets", designed to be used solely or principally with telephones for cellular networks (mobile phones), intended to be hung on the ear to provide a hands free option.

This introduces the possibility of 0% duty on the importation of such headsets.

02.07.2007 - New Zealand and US sign agreement on Supply Chain Security.

Comment: Under this arrangement, the United States recognises New Zealand exporters who have signed up to Customs voluntary Secure Exports Scheme, as 'low risk' trading partners.

Mutual recognition also provides an opportunity for NZ Customs to engage with other trading partners who have reciprocal standards for trade security.

23.02.2007– The EU and US agree on a roadmap for the mutual recognition of the AEO and C-TPAT security programs.

Comment: Mutual recognition of supply chain security initiatives will be one of the key elements to the success of such programs. This is a link to the roadmap Terms of Reference.

30.12.2006 – Commission publishes amendment to the Combined Nomenclature Explanatory Notes.

Comment: This amendment provides guidance as to the Tariff Classification of various monitors. It includes reference to LCD's with or without DVI. You can view the amendment on the Commission web site by clicking here.

14.11.2006 - WTO case – certain customs matters

Comment: The WTO has finds that administration of EU customs systems are generally of a high standard. The WTO did however find that the EU did not apply uniform administration to the Tariff Classification of LCD monitors with DVI input.

26.10.2006 – Tariff Classification – Ink Jet Cartridges

Comment: The European court upholds it’s position that Ink Jet cartridges without an integrated print head must be classified under subheading 3215 90 80

25.10.2006 - Authorised Economic Operator

Comment: The implementing provisions for the introduction of the AEO concept were approved by a majority of member states on 23/10/2006. AEO comes into effect on 1 January 2008. More soon

13.07.2006 - Commission Regulation 1056/2006 on the classification of goods

Comment: Tariff classification of MP3 players with video function and other items