Press Release

2008/11/04 ZF Services has received the AEO certificate

ZF Services, which is based in Schweinfurt, Germany, has received the certificate indicating that it is an AEO (Authorized Economic Operator). In consultation with Schweinfurt’s central customs office, the company’s internal processes were revised in recent months in order to be able to fully meet the requirements for authorization. As an AEO is considered to be particularly reliable and trustworthy, it is granted, for example, easier processing through customs, higher-priority examination of consignments which need to be checked or prior notice of impending checks.

With the ever-advancing pace of globalization and the fact that goods are increasingly being exchanged over international borders, particular importance is attached to securing the international supply chain from the manufacturer of the goods right through to the end consumer. This is why the World Customs Organization (WCO) developed globally binding standards for modern and effective risk management within customs authorities. The European Union (EU) responded to this by introducing the AEO certificate.

The preconditions for the authorization of this certificate include smooth and fluent logistics and organization within the company, making employees aware of their activities which are subject to customs duties, having detailed knowledge of the relevant customs regulations and putting in place physical (including structural) security measures in order to make it more difficult for outside parties to access company data and goods or to render this impossible without authorization.

The central customs management of ZF Friedrichshafen AG worked together with ZF Services colleagues in Bremen and Schweinfurt to ensure that all of the preconditions were met. “This makes us the first company in the automotive supply sector anywhere in Germany to receive this certificate. What is more, this seal of quality has an effect way beyond the area of customs law and offers a range of competitive advantages,” says the Schweinfurt customs team of Karin Abraham and Birgit Göbel with delight.

More information