AEO STATUS IN SWITZERLAND
Authorized economic operators enjoy a particular status. They are seen as particularly reliable and trustworthy in the context of their customs related operations and they have access to special benefits during customs clearance within the EU states. Since 1st January 2008, companies domiciled in the European Union and involved in customs activities can apply for this status, allowing them to benefit from facilitations of customs control relating to security.
For security reasons the EU introduced a provision as of 1st July 2009 for the cross-border transfer of goods from and to non-EU member states under which imports and exports will be subject to prior notification requirement – 24-hour rule. For Switzerland as a third country and significant trade partner, this regulation would have a considerable impact on procedures concerning the flow of goods to and from EU member states
At the same time, Switzerland is moving towards customs security standards consistent within the EU. The introduction of AEO in Switzerland grants certified entities customs privileges with companies located in EU-member states as well as in relation to non EU-countries, such as preferential treatment of cross-border shipments, reduced waiting time for customs clearance and less physical and documentary controls at customs borders
In order to benefit from these time and cost reductions, it is important that all parties involved in the supply chain hold AEO status. Moreover the applying company must be based in Switzerland or Liechtenstein and must be entered in the Swiss Commercial Register and/or the Public Register of the Principality of Liechtenstein.
The legal basis to apply for the AEO status in Switzerland exists (new articles 112a to 112g of the Ordinance 631.01 of November 2006 “Zollverordnung/Ordonnance sur les Douanes”). The AEO status will not be obligatory in Switzerland and currently has no influence on other preferential status, as authorized consignee or consignor. It is expected that AEO will be introduced during the third quarter of 2010 making it possible to grant the status to all companies, after the completion of the pilot phase. The pilot project with 4 selected economic operators, which started in February, will be finalized by the summer of 2010. The “pilot Swiss enterprises” are Kolb Distribution AG, Laible AG, Dachser Spedition AG and Clariant Produkte AG.
The self assistent questionnaire and program requirements are currently available in draft form (re. website Swiss Federal Customs Administration – www.ezv.adm.ch)