Authorised economic operator

Authorisation will be granted to businesses who have shown
themselves to be reliable from the financial, record keeping and, as relevant,
technical points of view. Authorisation is granted locally, but is valid through-
out the EU. Thus an authorised economic operator from another member state
does not need to re-apply in Germany in order to enjoy the benefits here.
Two types of authorisation are available. A business, the “economic operator”,
may apply for either or both.

Customs simplifications are the one and security
and safety the other. Neither authorisation frees the holder from the obligation
to declare imports and pay the relevant duty, or from the security and safety
regulations currently in force, although both enable Customs to grant the holder
priority in dealing with his requests for permits or rulings. Other benefits
include fewer test checks of transactions and a more flexible approach to
routine examinations.