GEODIS in Colombia receives AEO certification

GEODIS announced that its division in Colombia has reached a significant milestone by earning its certification as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) by Colombia’s National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN). This distinction, awarded after a stringent audit conducted alongside the National Police and other regulatory entities, affirms GEODIS' standing as a benchmark for security, compliance and operational excellence in the country’s logistics landscape.

AEO certification represents the highest international standard for secure foreign trade. Developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and implemented in Colombia since 2011, this program identifies and recognizes the most reliable operators in the global supply chain. To achieve this distinction, GEODIS successfully passed rigorous audits from multiple Colombian authorities, including DIAN and National Police, demonstrating the highest levels of:

• Comprehensive regulatory compliance
• Traceability and risk management
• Organizational security culture
• Operational best practices

The certification is the culmination of a broader transformation at GEODIS—one driven by the discipline, vision and commitment by the company’s leadership and team. The achievement not only elevates GEODIS’ value proposition in the customs brokerage space, but also enhances its integrated service portfolio across freight forwarding, contract logistics and supply chain optimization.

“This certification validates our long-term commitment to security and excellence in foreign trade,” said Carlos Palacios, Managing Director of GEODIS in Colombia. “We are proud to offer our clients not just logistics services, but a globally recognized standard of trust, agility and operational performance to deliver even safer, more reliable international trade for all supply chain stakeholders.”

The certification brings with it a host of competitive advantages for GEODIS’ clients operating in or through Colombia, particularly those seeking to mitigate risk, accelerate operations and scale globally. Key benefits include:

• Priority customs processing: Expedited inspections, fast-track lanes and preferential treatment at customs checkpoints.
• Cost optimization: Significant reductions—or full exemptions—in customs guarantees, freeing up working capital.
• Dedicated government support: Access to DIAN and National Police officers assigned specifically to AEO operators for real-time resolution of operational challenges.
• Recognition across borders: Seamless trade with Mexico, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica and the Andean Community via mutual recognition agreements.
• Early access to regulatory updates: Invitation-only training and compliance briefings led by Colombian customs and security agencies.

In a global environment where supply chains face increasing challenges in security and regulation, AEO operators are fundamental to maintaining the competitiveness of international trade. Colombia, as an expanding economy, requires certified operators that guarantee world-class standards of security and efficiency.

With this new accreditation, GEODIS in Colombia is now part of the select group of 60 customs agencies qualified as AEO in the country. GEODIS in Colombia’s customs agency has over 60 collaborators stationed in major ports and cities across the country, managing foreign trade operations in import, export and customs transit regimes. Additionally, it advises on compliance with current regulations to add value to the supply chain. GEODIS has earned the AEO accreditation across its global operations in countries such as Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Spain, Thailand and the UK, among others.