The Authorized Economic Operator or AEO is a concept introduced by the SAFE Framework of Standard referring to operators involved in the movement of goods along the international trade supply chain who have achieved the required security standards and are accredited by the member country.

The AEO Scheme developed by Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) was implemented since 2010 under an open and voluntary concept. There is no accreditation fee will be charged to the interested applicant.

In Malaysia, the AEO programme offers to manufacturer, importer exporter, warehouse operator and logistic service provider. Economic Operators with high compliance level and high security management are encouraged to apply for the AEO scheme from RMCD.

The AEO concept encourages electronic transactions for better security management in the supply chain. For smooth and seamless flow of trade, economic operators are encouraged to implement high security features based on international standards in their day-to-day management in all aspects of their business activity, amongst others includes manufacturing activities, movement of raw materials and finished goods, storage and warehousing and also ensuring secure conveyances and handling of goods. Speed and secure movement of goods, minimal documentation, minimal human intervention and predictability of customs processes are essential ingredients for the effectiveness of businesses that provides procurement, supply, distribution and marketing services on a global basis to the manufacturing and trading sector.