From 1 October, you will not be able to make import declarations on the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system.
If you import goods, you need use the Customs Declaration Service. It can take time for your businesses to complete the move and the sooner you start the easier it will be.
If you already make import declarations using CHIEF, we have transferred your existing customs authorisations to the Customs Declaration Service. You do not need to apply for a new authorisation to use the Customs Declaration Service if you already hold an active authorisation. This means:
- to make declarations on Customs Declaration Service, use the reference number we have given you
- your existing authorisation letter remains valid
Find out more information about the Customs Declaration Service.
Authorised Economic Operator Customs Simplification (AEOC) and Authorised Economic Operator Security and Safety (AEOS) status are for businesses that:
You can apply for:
- Authorised Economic Operator Customs Simplification status
- Authorised Economic Operator Security and Safety status
- both
HMRC will carry out several checks on your business to see if you’re eligible to receive the status.
Before you apply
You must:
- read and understand the criteria and checks involved
- have an EORI number that starts with GB, if you are established in Northern Ireland you will also need an XI EORI number
- gather the information you’ll need to answer the questions on the online form
- have responsible customs managers and specific personnel available onsite for the audit visits
You must make sure you have documented evidence of your business procedures and processes available for our inspection before you apply.
Who should apply
A responsible person in the business for example, a partner or director should apply for the status.
If someone else applies, they must have permission from a responsible person.
What you will need to apply
You’ll need your:
- EORI number that starts with GB, if you are established in Northern Ireland you will also need an XI EORI number
- Government Gateway user ID and password — if you do not have a user ID, or have lost it, you can create one or find out how to recover your login details when you apply
How to apply
You should apply for Authorised Economic Operator status using the online form.
If you’re a group of companies, you need to submit separate applications for each legal entity.
You do not have to complete the full application in one go. You can return to your application.
You have 28 days from the date you start your application to complete it. You can save your progress as you go, after you have completed your application you must submit it in full within 24 hours.
After we receive your application, we’ll carry out our checks and we’ll aim to visit you as soon as possible. Authorised Economic Operator status can take up to 120 days to approve.
Email HMRC to ask for an Authorised Economic Operator self assessment form and application form in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Return to your application
When you return to your application you’ll need your:
- EORI number that starts with GB
- Government Gateway user ID and password
After you’ve applied
We’ll send you an acknowledgement when we receive your application. After we’ve reviewed it, we’ll send you a notice of acceptance if it’s complete and satisfactory.
We’ll visit you to check your documentation and test your systems.
You must have the documented evidence available for our visits. We may advise you to withdraw your application, if you do not meet the criteria.
If you pass our checks, you’ll receive your authorisation within 120 days.
Once we approve your status, we’ll check to make sure you continue to meet the standards.
If anything changes within your business, you must tell us within 30 days of it happening. This could include:
- changes to your legal entity
- changes of business name or business address
- changes to the nature and structure of your business
- changes to any people responsible for customs matters mentioned in your application
- changes to your accounting or computer systems
- additions or deletions of locations or branches involved in the international supply chain
- additions or deletions to the categories you have approval for
Get more information
You can check if a business holds Authorised Economic Operator status.
There’s also information on the World Customs Organisation website.
