Trane, a leading global provider of indoor comfort systems and solutions and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, announced that its production facilities in France have received Authorised Economic Operator, level C certification (AEO-C; C stands for Customs Simplifications).
All systems manufactured in the Trane plants in Golbey, France, and Charmes, France, are covered by the AEO-C. This includes the air-cooled chillers (50-1,500 kW), water-cooled and condenser-less chillers (50-1,500 kW), condensing units (55-218 kW) and rooftop units (18-165 kW) that are produced in France. The certification covers also the import of products.
All three Trane manufacturing facilities in Europe now have AEO-C status. The plant located in Kolin, Czech Republic, received the certification in May 2009.
The AEO-C label is part of the increased transportation and supply chain security measures the European Union (EU) implemented after the terrorist attacks in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. Certification is awarded by individual member states.
To obtain AEO-C certification, a company must meet specific customs, record-keeping, financial solvency, security and safety standards.
Companies that have been awarded AEO-C certification enjoy a number of customs facilitations. This includes a lower risk score in the EU customs risk assessment systems, possible fast-tracking through customs controls and reduced requirements in the EU pre-arrival/pre-departure summary declarations process.
A simplified customs procedure directly benefits exporters, and their customers, by reducing paperwork, time requirements and checks. Additionally, the certification is expected to play an important commercial role as international buyers increasingly move toward working with European partners who have AEO-C status.
“Trane customers will be able to benefit directly from the AEO-C. They will experience an expedited and reliable delivery as there will be less chance of delays due to customs hold-ups,” explained Carlo Hendrickx, vice president of Integrated Supply Chain for Trane in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa.
