Application deficiencies must be rectified before AEO processing; incomplete or procedural defects delay acceptance under programme rules. Acknowledgement of AEO Programme applications requires digital recording in the AEO database and notification of incomplete or deficient submissions within thirty days. Processing is suspended until deficiencies are rectified, including where an application is incomplete, not filed by the legal entity, lacks nomination of a responsible person, is submitted during bankruptcy proceedings, or follows revocation of AEO status which bars reapplication until the prescribed period after revocation has elapsed.