Accreditation programs AEO and ACT

Goods do not perform illegal actions, but humans do. Therefore, risk assessment should be focused on operators instead of individual consignments passing the border.

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) concept is a wellknown standard where operators can pass through an accreditation process where a large number of given criteria has to be fulfilled. When an operator is compliant in the AEO program, the operator is allowed to use different simplifications. At the same time, border agencies know that certified operators are low risk and do not require as many inspections as a non-AEO.

The same concept can be applied on travelers. By offering travelers the possibility to become an accredited traveler (ACT), trustworthy and compliant travelers with no criminal records and who meet all other requirements, can enjoy faster and smoother border crossings.