Companies with AEO status are expected to actively contribute to risk management and to share information with authorities. Identifying and reporting suspicious transactions is part of this responsibility. In practice, however, this is not always straightforward. What exactly should you look for? Which signals are relevant? Do you have a warning system in place, and where do you obtain the right information? And through which channels should you report this?
The new guideline from the European Commission aims to support this and provides concrete guidance on:
> proactive reporting of suspicious activities
> 24/7 contact points for rapid escalation
> secure whistleblowing channels, including anonymous options
> structured information exchange between businesses and customs authorities
This guideline is not only relevant for AEO-certified companies, but for all organisations involved in international trade. It is also not a voluntary development. It directly aligns with the broader reform of the EU customs system and the increasing pressure to make supply chains more secure and transparent.
The question is therefore not whether you need to act on this, but how to implement it in a practical and workable way within your organisation.
How far has your organisation progressed in setting up detection and reporting processes within the supply chain? Do you recognise the importance but are unsure where to start? Send an email to info@grc-customs.com. We would be happy to make time for you!