With increasing globalization, supply chains accordingly become more and more international in nature. They become more complex and so assume higher risks, for both businesses and governments. These risks are varied. Since the terrorist attacks of September 11,2001, many countries have implemented new rules for freight traffic flows. Now with these more secured flows, this paper examines the impact of one of these new security programs in Europe, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO). By studying of the academic literature, the paper explains in particular the impact of the AEO custom certification on risk management, and on performance of 3rd party-logistics within the supply chain.