First Automotive Importer with AEO Status with PwC Involvement

Winner Imports Ukraine LLC is a leader in Ukraine’s automotive distribution market. The company is the official importer for eight global automotive brands—Ford, MG, Maxus, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, and Bentley—and operates its own retail network with 68 dealership centers across the country. Winner Imports Ukraine actively implements innovative solutions to improve business process efficiency and deliver the highest standards of customer service.

The client aimed to obtain Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status, although the outbreak of full-scale war temporarily shifted this priority. The decisive factor was a change in customs legislation, namely the cancellation of EA-type customs declarations in November 2023. This brought several urgent challenges to the forefront: the need for rapid adaptation to regulatory changes, overcoming financial pressure under martial law, and strengthening the integrated internal control system. For financial optimization, the company strategically sought authorization for “guarantee waiver,” which would eliminate 100% of customs guarantee expenses and promptly free up working capital.

At this stage, our team began cooperation with Winner Imports Ukraine by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the company's processes and identifying all of its needs.

After analyzing internal business processes and the tasks the company set to achieve its goals, our team proposed a roadmap for obtaining the necessary authorizations. These would allow the client to adapt to legislative changes and improve overall efficiency.

One of the key steps for fast and transparent customs clearance is obtaining authorization for simplifications, which signifies trust in the company’s processes. However, this stage is complex, as it requires aligning all business activities with legislative requirements, which demands considerable time and deep knowledge of the business’s specifics.

The objectives were achieved by first obtaining the AEO-C authorization, which requires compliance with the largest number of criteria. We supported Winner Imports Ukraine at every stage of preparation for AEO-C status and the related simplification authorizations. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of operations, evaluated internal procedures and control systems for AEO compliance, and provided tailored recommendations for process improvements.

As a result, Winner Imports Ukraine became the first automotive importer in Ukraine to be granted AEO status. This achievement not only confirmed its reputation as a reliable partner but also set a new industry standard during an exceptionally challenging time.

For financial optimization, the company received authorization for the “guarantee waiver” simplification, which eliminated all customs guarantee expenses—resolving one of the company’s most important challenges. 

Operational efficiency was improved by accelerating customs clearance, which now takes just hours, significantly speeding up goods turnover. Logistics optimization became possible due to the “release at the location” procedure, allowing customs clearance directly at the company’s facilities. This solution reduced logistics costs, minimized truck idle time, and significantly increased flexibility in transportation planning—especially given the company’s own fleet.

Moreover, AEO-C status reduced risks through priority customs procedures and a lower risk level in the automated system, resulting in fewer inspections and customs checks.

While searching for a logistics solution, Winner Imports Ukraine approached PwC Ukraine for assistance in modernizing outdated customs clearance approaches and aligning internal processes not only with legal requirements but also with more flexible, modern, and progressive practices.

The main needs we identified at that time included strengthening the integrated internal control system, refining customs procedures, and ensuring faster adaptation to current regulatory requirements. To address those, our team carried out a comprehensive process assessment, developed formalized customs clearance procedures, consolidated the internal control system, and prepared the company for obtaining Authorized Economic Operator (AEO-C) status.

As a result, Winner Imports Ukraine was not only the first in its industry to obtain AEO-C status and related authorizations, but also laid the foundation for continued sustainable growth and competitiveness in the market.

Thanks to the comprehensive approach proposed by our team, the client was able to improve and speed up customs clearance and internal control. The transformation optimized business processes and prepared the company for AEO-C status. As a result, clearance time was reduced to just a few hours, guarantee expenses were cut by 100%, and the business gained additional competitive advantages.