2.V.5.2. Identification of business partners

When examining an international supply chain in the context of an AEO self-assessment, it is important to clearly identify the role of each trading partner. The role of the business partner determines the level of risk involved, the level of security and safety awareness required of business partners, and, alternatively, the measures the AEO must implement to mitigate the identified risks. The responsibilities of AEO business partners include:

• Manufacturers and warehouse keepers must ensure and promote awareness of the need for facilities to maintain an acceptable level of security that prevents goods produced or stored in warehouses from being tampered with and prevents unauthorized access;
• Importers, freight forwarders, exporters and customs brokers must ensure that third-party agents are aware of the relevant border procedures and systems, as well as the documentation that must accompany goods in transit and for customs clearance;
• Carriers must ensure that the transport of goods is not unnecessarily interrupted and that their integrity is maintained and protected from unauthorized interference while they are in their custody.