The EU and Turkey Strengthen Their Customs Cooperation

The European Union and Turkey have taken an important step toward strengthening customs cooperation with the approval of mutual recognition of their Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs. This measure aims to make trade between the two markets safer and more efficient and will particularly benefit companies that regularly engage in import and export operations.

Although the agreement still needs to complete the technical procedures necessary for its implementation, it represents a significant step forward within the existing Customs Union between the EU and Turkey.

What is an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)?

Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) is a certification that designates companies as trusted operators in the eyes of customs authorities, allowing them to access certain benefits and streamlining measures in their international operations. If you’d like to learn more about what this designation entails and what its benefits are, you can read our article on Authorized Economic Operators.

What does this new agreement entail?

Until now, a company recognized as an AEO within the European Union did not automatically receive the same recognition from Turkish customs authorities, and the same was true in the opposite direction.

Under the new agreement, both governments will mutually recognize each other’s “trusted operator” status. This will allow customs authorities to take this certification into account during their risk assessments and when planning customs inspections.

In other words, a European company with AEO certification will be able to benefit from more streamlined procedures in Turkey, while an authorized Turkish operator will receive equivalent treatment in the European Union.

What benefits does it offer businesses?

The main objective of the agreement is to facilitate legitimate trade without compromising the high safety standards of the international supply chain.

Among the benefits that can result from this mutual recognition are the following:

• Reduction of physical and documentary inspections when the authorities deem it appropriate.
• Potentially more efficient customs clearance.
• Better coordination between EU and Turkish customs authorities.
• Greater predictability in international trade operations.
• Strengthening security throughout the supply chain.

All of this can lead to shorter wait times, improved logistics planning, and greater competitiveness for companies that regularly operate between the two markets.

Another step forward in trade relations between the EU and Turkey

The Customs Union between the European Union and Turkey has been in effect since 1995 and is one of the cornerstones of trade relations between the two parties. Thanks to this agreement, a large proportion of industrial products can move across borders with significant trade advantages.

This new mutual recognition under the OAS program strengthens that cooperation and demonstrates the commitment of both administrations to continue simplifying customs procedures, adapting them to an increasingly dynamic and secure international trade environment.

Although the agreement will take effect once the information-sharing systems between the two governments are fully operational, companies can begin preparing now to take advantage of the benefits this new framework for collaboration will offer.

The Importance of Having a Specialized Logistics Partner

Changes in customs regulations have a direct impact on the planning of international operations. Staying informed and working with a logistics provider that has in-depth knowledge of changes in the law allows you to anticipate these changes and optimize each shipment.

At Vicasso Internacional SL, we closely monitor all developments affecting foreign trade to offer our clients reliable, efficient logistics solutions tailored to a constantly evolving international environment.