As of 1 August 2025, the European Union and Canada mutually recognise each other’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes under a new agreement.
Which programmes are affected?
In the EU, this includes AEOS (‘security’) and AEOF (‘customs simplifications and security’) authorisations. In Canada, it concerns the PIP (Partners in Protection) security programme. Companies certified under these programmes will benefit from simplified procedures and less burdensome security checks when importing goods.
Objectives of the mutual recognition
The agreement aims to strengthen security in the international supply chain, make global goods traffic more efficient and facilitate cooperation between customs authorities. The mutual recognition is based on the harmonisation of the security standards of both programmes.
In order to reap the benefits, companies must ask their Canadian suppliers whether they have the relevant certification. If this is the case, they should ask for the registration number (consisting of the two-digit country code and an alphanumeric identification number of up to 15 digits), the start date of the authorisation and a copy of the certificate.
How to use it in customs declarations
The supplier’s registration number has to be put on the import declaration as the EU-MRA-number or TCUI number (Third Country Unique Identification Number). This is the only way to use the simplifications.
Other countries with a mutual AEO recognition
In addition to Canada, the EU has similar AEO agreements with:
- USA
- United Kingdom
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Republic of Moldova
- Japan
- China
Source: zoll.de (in German)
