You must submit the application to your local main customs office. You can fill out the form in the internet application or print it out and fill it out yourself:

Internet application:

• Open the internet application for the issuance of an AEO authorization.
• Click on "Form Internet Application for AEO Authorization".
• Fill out the form.
• Click on "Submit application" and submit the application to the relevant main customs office.
• Print the form afterwards and sign it.

Paper form:

• Open the Customs Administration website and download the "Application for AEO Authorization (Form 0390)."
• Then print the form, fill it out and sign it.

Both when filling it out via the internet application and in paper form, the next steps are as follows:

• Save the form electronically on a data carrier, for example, a USB stick or CD.
• Also download the Customs Authorization Questionnaire and complete Parts I to V (AEOC only) or I to IV and VI (AEOS only) or I to VI (AEOC + AEOS).
• It is advisable to contact your contact person at the responsible main customs office before processing in order to clarify any open questions regarding your application and, if applicable, the questionnaire.
• Print out the completed questionnaire and save it additionally on the data carrier.
• Attach all required documents, either in paper form or electronically on the data carrier.
• Send the printed form in paper form as well as the electronic copy including the questionnaire and the additional documents on the data carrier by mail to your responsible main customs office.
• The main customs office will check your application and send you a written decision.

There is no deadline.

The processing time depends on various factors, in particular the quality of the submitted questionnaire and the size of the company. The responsible main customs office will decide on your application after 120 days at the latest. An extension of the deadline is possible.