Carousel wins AEO status

Carousel Logistics, which specialises in the transport of parts and products for high-performance industries across Europe, has obtained Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status for two of its business units, enabling them to accelerate import and export procedures and facilitate just-in-time logistics solutions in the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.

AEO certification simplifies customs procedures and confirms that the holder meets both EU and UK customs standards, thereby helping to mitigate potential delays to shipments between Britain and the EU after Brexit.

Carousel in the UK has been granted AEO Full (AEOF) status, which covers both customs simplification and security and is the highest level of certification under the EU scheme. In Germany, the company attained AEO for customs simplification (AEOC) last year.

The accreditations guarantee Carousel clients fast-tracked customs control. They also reduce the requirement for mandatory declarations and prior notification of inspections relating to safety, security and customs legislation.

Carousel’s German entity will also be able to move goods into temporary storage between different member states within the EU.

Kevin Turner, divisional director at Carousel, said the accreditations will ensure that shipments will be safer, more secure, and less likely to face delays in clearing international borders.

Carousel group chief executive Graham Martin added: “Extending the [AEO] status across the group is an important and strategic milestone for the business and our clients. As we continue to await details regarding the context of the UK’s departure from the EU, we’re as ready as we can be, and have made it even easier for clients to do business with us – no matter the outcome.”

The company pointed out that AEOF status offers “the potential for future reciprocal arrangements and mutual recognition with countries outside the European Community, for example, USA or trading partners that adopt the WCO Safe framework”.

In March, Carousel purchased BDA Logistics Innovation (BDA), increasing its overnight airfreight capabilities between the UK and Europe.