The AEO status is granted to reliable economic operators meeting the criteria of appropriate record-keeping and financial solvency, and whose organisation, infrastructure and adequate security of IT systems and storage facilities ensure the safety of goods and locations, and protect against unauthorized access.

Authorised Economic Traders, in return for taking part of responsibility for the security of the external borders of the European Union, benefit from some legal privileges at the time of customs clearance of freight handled by customs authorities.

The provisions of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 laying down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Community Customs Code (OJ L 253, 11.10.1993, p 1, as amended) grant certain simplifications and rights to authorised economic operators.
They include:
- Fewer physical and document-based controls
- Priority treatment of consignments if selected for control
- Choice of the place of controls
- Reduced data set for entry and exit summary declarations
- Prior notification (that the consignment has been selected for further physical control)