The European Union and the United States of America formally agreed to recognise each other's safe traders, thereby allowing companies from EU and US to benefit from faster controls and reduced administration for customs clearance. The EU and USA are strategic trade partners, with imports and exports accounting for almost €500 billion in 2011. The joint decision will start to be implemented from 1 July 2012.

The European Union and the United States of America formally agreed to recognise each other's "trusted traders". EU and U.S. certified trusted traders will therefore enjoy lower costs, simplified procedures and greater predictability in their transatlantic activities. Under the agreement, authorised economic operators in the EU will receive benefits when exporting to the US market, and the EU will reciprocate for certified members of the US Customs-Trade Partnership against terrorism (C-TPAT). In addition, mutual recognition will also improve security on imports and exports, by enabling customs authorities to focus their attention on real risk areas, according to the European Commission. In March 2011, the Commission also called to remove barriers in relations with its trading partners.

There are some five thousand companies approved as Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) in the EU – a number which is growing year on year. The mutual recognition decision signed on 4 of May will further boost trade opportunities and contribute to the smooth flow of goods between both sides, without compromising the high security standards on either side of the Atlantic.

The AEO status at EU level identifies safe and reliable businesses that are engaged in international trade. Since 2008 European companies can apply for an AEO status to have easier access to customs simplifications and to be in a more favourable position to comply with EU security requirements. Mutual recognition of trade partnership programs prevents the proliferation of incompatible standards, and promotes harmonisation of customs practices and procedures worldwide.