The AEO-certificate was introduced as a reaction to 9/11 attacks and guarantees high security standards within the international supply chain. This holds for e.g. the selection criteria of suppliers or personnel.

Based on this certification through the customs authorities, the connector- and housing specialist ESCHA already meets the requirements for a secure and successful export of its products before 2012. In order to get the AEO-certificate, the company had to prove, among other things, compliance with customs regulations, a reliable accounting as well as solvency and adequate security standards. Since then, ESCHA has benefited from customs-law simplifications and reliefs with custom-relevant examinations including e.g.:

• fewer physical checks and verifications of documents,
• preferred clearance at checks
• as well as the possibility of conducting checks at a different site to that of the responsible customs agency on application.

Yet, it is not only the certified company enjoying the benefits. The customers as well benefit from a more visible and trackable flow of goods. For them, working with an AEO-certified supplier means:

• less theft and fewer losses and delays during shipping,
• better planning and fewer security incidents
• and reduced costs of supplier checks.

To maintain the AEO status, the certified company must undergo regular audits by the responsible customs agency providing for a gapless adherence to the regulations.