IRU has called for the implementation of fast Green Lanes for accredited EU Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs).
Green Lanes would significantly reduce inspections and waiting times at EU external borders and would be particularly beneficial for smaller businesses operating in the road freight transport sector. Facilitating faster border crossings, Green Lanes would ensure that these enterprises remain competitive. The system would also guarantee that transport operators derive enough benefit through participation in AEO to outweigh the administrative burden of applying for and maintaining AEO status.
AEO is an internationally recognised quality mark indicating that the role of the accredited transport operator in the international supply chain is secure, and that its customs controls and procedures are efficient and compliant. Carriers that operate under TIR and send their pre-arrival information electronically, using TIR-EPD, are treated as AEO compliant for the purpose of using Green or fast lanes.
The call was made at an EU AEO Programme Workshop in Senec, Slovakia, organised by the Taxation and Customs Union Directorate General (DG TAXUD). The well-attended workshop brought together public and private partners and was the first of its kind since the European Commission launched its AEO programme in 2008.
IRU presented at the workshop on the needs of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the majority of AEOs. It advocated for the setting-up of an “EU AEO SME helpdesk” where companies can seek advice on AEO programmes and their functioning in different markets – including a fast lane concept at borders.