Minister Noonan presents Cook Medical with the 100th Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certificate issued in Ireland

Michael Noonan, Minister for Finance, today (6/09/13), in Limerick, presented the 100th certificate issued in Ireland to Cook Medical who have met the criteria for Authorised Economic Operator status.

The AEO is an EU wide programme for compliant and credible traders who meet certain standards and have adequate safety and security procedures in place in relation to their customs related operations. Having acquired AEO status, traders will be given specific benefits that are designed to counterbalance the potentially negative effect of trade security initiatives introduced in the aftermath of "9/11".

AEO status is attributed according to uniform criteria in all 28 Member States of the European Community. The long-term intention is that, under mutual recognition agreements, an AEO in the EU may be recognised and given benefits in up to 166 countries worldwide. The EU Commission has already concluded mutual recognition negotiations with a number of countries including the US and Japan. This should result in Irish AEOs receiving preferential treatment when clearing their goods through customs in those countries.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony Minister Noonan said:

"I am particularly pleased that in the current challenging trading environment, companies like Cook Medical have shown such interest in the AEO Programme. I would like to commend Cook Medical on meeting the challenging eligibility criteria and I congratulate you on achieving AEO status. With this award, Cook will be recognised internationally as safe and secure partners, deserving of special facilitation from customs administrations across the globe."

[Ends 6/09/13]