WCO Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Framework
The World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards establishes the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, providing mutual recognition of trusted traders in international supply chains. AEO-certified operators demonstrate compliance with supply chain security standards and customs requirements in exchange for facilitated customs processing. Implemented by 100+ countries with mutual recognition agreements enabling global trade facilitation.
Framework summaries on this platform are AI-assisted interpretations for educational and compliance planning purposes. They do not reproduce or replace the official standards. Refer to the authoritative source for the definitive text. Framework names and trademarks belong to their respective organisations.
Framework Domains (5)
Customs Compliance
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| AEO-CC-1 | Compliance History |
| AEO-CC-2 | Commercial Record Management |
| AEO-CC-3 | Financial Viability |
| AEO-CC-4 | Code of Conduct |
Information and Technology
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| AEO-IT-1 | Information Security |
| AEO-IT-2 | Advance Electronic Information |
| AEO-IT-3 | Document and Data Integrity |
Personnel Security
Requirements for ensuring personnel suitability and managing insider threats
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| AEO-PS-1 | Employee Vetting |
| AEO-PS-2 | Security Awareness Training |
| AEO-PS-3 | Access Management |
| CTPAT-PE-1 | Pre-Employment Verification |
| CTPAT-PE-2 | Employee Screening |
| CTPAT-PE-3 | Education and Training |
| DSPF-PERS-1 | Personnel Suitability |
| DSPF-PERS-2 | Security Clearances |
| DSPF-PERS-3 | Ongoing Personnel Assessment |
| DSPF-PERS-4 | Insider Threat Management |
| DSPF-PERS-5 | Security Awareness and Training |
| ISM-0252 | Cyber Security Awareness Training |
| ISM-0414 | System Access Revocation |
| ISM-0434 | Privileged User Access Restriction |
| ISM-1146 | Targeted Cyber Security Training |
| ISM-1175 | Temporary Access |
| ISM-1503 | Separate Privileged Operating Environments |
| ISM-1507 | Privileged Access Limitation |
| ISM-1508 | Privileged Access Review |
| PSPF-PERS-1 | Eligibility and Suitability |
| PSPF-PERS-2 | Security Clearances |
| PSPF-PERS-3 | Ongoing Suitability |
| PSPF-PERS-4 | Separation and Transfer |
Supply Chain Security
Customs security and risk management
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| AEO-SC-1 | Cargo Security |
| AEO-SC-2 | Conveyance Security |
| AEO-SC-3 | Premises Security |
| AEO-SC-4 | Trading Partner Security |
| CTPAT-SCS-01 | Physical Security |
| CTPAT-SCS-02 | Personnel Security |
| CTPAT-SCS-03 | Conveyance and Cargo Security |
| EU-CHIPS-SUP-01 | Supply Chain Monitoring |
| EU-CHIPS-SUP-02 | Crisis Assessment and Response |
| EU-CHIPS-SUP-03 | International Partnerships |
| EU-CRMA-SUP-01 | Strategic Benchmarks |
| EU-CRMA-SUP-02 | Strategic Projects Recognition |
| EU-CRMA-SUP-03 | Supply Chain Monitoring |
| NIS2-IA-7 | Supply Chain Security Policy |
| NIS2-IA-8 | Supplier Security Assessment |
| NRF-4 | Supply Chain Risk Identification |
| NRF-5 | Third-Party Partner Standards |
| NRF-6 | Vendor Risk Management |
| UKTSA-SC-01 | Supply Chain Risk Assessment |
| UKTSA-SC-02 | High-Risk Vendor Restrictions |
| UKTSA-SC-03 | Vendor Diversification |
| UKTSA-SC-04 | Third-Party Access Controls |
| WCO-SAFE-SCS-01 | Advance Electronic Information |
| WCO-SAFE-SCS-02 | Risk Management |
| WCO-SAFE-SCS-03 | Non-Intrusive Inspection |
Validation and Authorization
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| AEO-VA-1 | Validation Process |
| AEO-VA-2 | Authorization and Accreditation |
| AEO-VA-3 | Mutual Recognition |
| AEO-VA-4 | Continuous Monitoring and Re-Validation |
Maps to 568 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WCO Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Framework?
WCO Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Framework is a compliance framework from International (WCO) with 5 domains and 59 controls. The World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards establishes the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, providing mutual recognition of trusted traders in international supply chains. AEO-certified operators demonstrate compliance with supply chain security standards and customs requirements in exchange for facilitated customs processing. Implemented by 100+ countries with mutual recognition agreements enabling global trade facilitation. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does WCO Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Framework have?
WCO Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Framework has 59 controls organised across 5 domains. The largest domains are Supply Chain Security (25 controls), Personnel Security (23 controls), Customs Compliance (4 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does WCO Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Framework map to?
WCO Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Framework maps to 568 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are NIST SP 800-171A Rev 3 — Assessing CUI Security Requirements (39% coverage), TISAX — Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (37% coverage), C-TPAT — Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (37% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with WCO Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Framework compliance?
Start your WCO Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Framework compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about WCO Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Framework requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 59 controls and track your progress.
Start Your Compliance Journey
Create a free account to run self-assessments, get AI advisory, and track your compliance progress across 692 frameworks.
Get Started Free →Free forever — no credit card required