The parcel company GLS Austria has been registered with the customs authorities as an Authorised Economic Operator. The AEO-C certificate implies customs simplifications, simplification of security-related controls and shorter processes for growing exports to Switzerland.
The AEO-C approval is linked to high requirements in terms of reliability: in addition to the ability to pay, experience, well-established procedures and appropriate customs management must be proven. “Quality and safety are very important to us,” explains Axel Spörl, General Manager GLS Austria. “That’s why we want to prove to our customers that we meet the high standards.”
The AEO status and the associated lower risk classification accelerate the customs clearance and save GLS Austria many controls on goods and documents. Shipments are selected for inspections get priority treatment at the customs.
This is particularly relevant for deliveries to Switzerland: the number of GLS parcels exported to the neighboring country has increased in the last two years in the double-digit percentage range. “We ensure fast delivery processes through regular direct traffic and collective customs clearance,” explains Axel Spörl. “With AOE certification, our customers benefit from even shorter throughput processes at the customs.”
GLS Austria is a company of GLS, General Logistics Systems B.V. (headquartered in Amsterdam), who realises parcel services for over 200,000 customers, complemented by logistics and express services. Through wholly owned and partner companies, the Group provides a network coverage of 45 European states. GLS is also present in eight U.S. states and in Canada, and is globally connected via contractual agreements. About 70 central transhipment points and more than 1,400 depots and agencies are at GLS’ disposal. With its ground based network GLS is one of the leading parcel service providers in Europe. GLS counts 19,000 employees and every day around 26,000 delivery vehicles and 3,500 lorries are on route for GLS. In the financial year 2018/19 GLS achieved revenues of EUR 3.3 billion and transported 634 million parcels.
