A current issue that is important for many companies is the further development of the Union Customs Code (UCC). As part of the reform process, the original plan was to abolish the status of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and introduce the new concept of Trust & Check Traders instead.
The Trust & Check Trader was originally intended for companies that are classified as particularly trustworthy by the authorities. Companies that provide extensive information about their activities and meet strict requirements are to benefit from simplified customs procedures. In some cases, they can even bring their goods into the EU internal market without active intervention by customs.
AEO status likely to remain in place
However, it now appears that a U-turn is imminent in the latest negotiations at EU level. The AEO status is apparently to be retained after all. This would mean that a central pillar of existing EU customs law would remain in place, benefiting many companies by providing them with planning security and advantages in international trade.
This development is good news for companies that already have AEO certification or are currently in the process of obtaining it. At the same time, it shows how dynamic the reform processes surrounding the UCC are and how important it is to closely follow the discussions and decisions at European level.
What will become of the ‘Trust & Check Trader’?
As things stand, the Trust & Check Trader is expected to be only an additional, particularly far-reaching certification based on the AEO. The exact details are currently still being negotiated at European level.
Links:
EU-Pressemitteilung vom 27. Juni 2025
Effizientere Zollverfahren: Mitgliedstaaten einigen sich auf Reform der EU-Zollunion
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