An Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) is a status recognized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and granted to parties involved in the international movement of goods. This status is conferred upon businesses, including manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, and other supply chain stakeholders, that have proven to be reliable in their customs-related operations and comply with WCO or equivalent supply chain security standards.
In the U.S. the program is known as Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT). AEOs are entitled to benefits such as customs simplifications, priority treatment, and fewer customs controls.
