Recently the Belgian Customs Administration has decided to eliminate or reduce certain guarantees for AEO certified companies. The Circular of May 18, 2010 lays down the provisions for granting an exemption or a reduction in security for authorized economic operators (AEO certified companies) with customs activities in Belgium.

An exemption from the security is granted for:
1. the temporary storage of goods in anticipation of the declaration;
2. the placing of goods under economic customs procedures (customs warehousing and inward processing relief) and for processing of goods under customs control in the name of the AEO certified operator;
3. the comprehensive guarantee on Community / Common transit to the extent of the reference amount if
a. the Belgium-based operator is the authorized declarant AND
b. the approved operator has sufficient experience in using the system Community / common transit and has control over transportation to the required criteria of the CCA AND
c. the Community / Common transit does not cover goods with a higher risk of fraud as defined in the CCA.

If the approved operator has no control over the transport, the amount of the guarantee is reduced to 30% of the reference amount.

If the Community / common transit concerns goods with a higher risk of fraud, the amount of the comprehensive guarantee is reduced in Belgium to 30% of the reference amount if:
1. the in Belgium-based authorized operator is the declarant AND
2. the approved operator has sufficient experience on the use of the scheme Community / common transit and has control over transportation to the required criteria of the CCA.

If the approved operator does not have sufficient experience on the use of the scheme Community / common transit or has not enough control over the transport, no reduction of the guarantee is granted.

If you have any question regarding this information, contact us for more information.