Guidance

Apply for Approved Economic Operator (APEO) status

Approved Economic Operator (APEO) is a status that allows you to import and export fish and fish based goods without being required to submit every catch certificate.

This guidance was withdrawn on

You can’t apply for approved economic operator (APEO) status anymore. The policy is under review and this guidance will be updated once the review is complete.

Benefits of APEO

If you hold the status you will:

  • be entitled to simplified catch procedures

  • not need to provide catch certificates on import

Where the status is valid

You cannot hold the authorisation if you’re a person that is not established in the UK . Find out more about being established in the UK.

Who can apply

To apply you must:

You must also have secure unloading and storage facilities, making sure:

  • there is no unauthorised access to storage areas, loading docks or cargo areas

  • fish and fish based products are correctly handled and cargo is protected from tampering

  • import and export licences connected to restrictions are correctly handled

  • fish needing a catch certificate are clearly identified

How to apply

You’ll need to fill in the form fully before you can print and send it using the postal service. You cannot save a partly completed form, so you should gather all of your information together before you begin.

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Apply now

Email HMRC to ask for this form in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Send your application to:


AEO Central Site
Graeme House, Third Floor, East Wing
Customs Liverpool
Central Mail Unit
Newcastle
NE98 1ZZ

Published 12 June 2020
Last updated 31 December 2020 + show all updates
  1. This page has been updated because the Brexit transition period has ended.

  2. First published.