1.An economic operator who is established in the customs territory of the Community and who meets the conditions set out in Articles 14 and 15 may request the status of authorised economic operator.
The customs authorities shall, if necessary following consultation with other competent authorities, grant that status, which shall be subject to monitoring.
2.The status of authorised economic operator shall consist in two types of authorisations: that of a ‘customs simplification’ authorised economic operator and that of a ‘security and safety’ authorised economic operator.
The first type of authorisation shall enable economic operators to benefit from certain simplifications in accordance with the customs legislation. Under the second type of authorisation the holder thereof shall be entitled to facilitations relating to security and safety.
Both types of authorisations may be held at the same time.
3.The status of authorised economic operator shall, subject to Articles 14 and 15, be recognised by the customs authorities in all Member States, without prejudice to customs controls.
4.Customs authorities shall, on the basis of the recognition of the status of authorised economic operator and provided that the requirements related to a specific type of simplification provided for in the customs legislation are fulfilled, authorise the operator to benefit from that simplification.
5.The status of authorised economic operator may be suspended or revoked in accordance with the conditions laid down pursuant to Article 15(1)(g).
6.The authorised economic operator shall notify the customs authorities of all factors arising after that status was granted which may influence its continuation or content.