PortMatrix

Global Certification for secure, compliant and efficient Customs processes

Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Certification

AEO is a flagship trade facilitation initiative under the World Customs Organization. It recognizes international businesses and gives them customs facilitation benefits, such as faster customs clearance and priority processing of consignments.

AEO Indian Customs programme logo
Source: AEO India — Indian Customs
On this page

What AEO is

AEO = Trusted International Trade Partner certified by Customs.

An AEO is a business entity involved in international trade that is recognized by the Customs as a trusted and compliant trade partner.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) introduced the Indian AEO Programme to promote secure and faster international trade. It is based on the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework standards.

How PORTMATRIX helps

We support in facilitating the procedures for obtaining AEO status.

AEO categories in India

  1. AEO-T1

    Applicable To
    Importers / Exporters
    Level
    Entry level
    Validity
    3 Years

  2. AEO-T2

    Applicable To
    Importers / Exporters
    Level
    Advanced
    Validity
    3 Years

  3. AEO-T3

    Applicable To
    Importers / Exporters
    Level
    Highest accreditation
    Validity
    5 Years

  • AEO-LO

    Applicable To
    Logistics Providers, Custodians or Terminal Operators, Customs Brokers and Warehouse Operators
    Level
    Logistics category
    Validity
    5 Years

Who can apply

The AEO programme covers entities in the international supply chain, including:

  • Importers
  • Exporters
  • Customs Brokers
  • Logistics Providers
  • Freight Forwarders
  • Warehouse Operators
  • Port Operators
  • Terminal Operators

Basic eligibility

An applicant generally should have:

  • Good compliance record
  • Financial solvency
  • Secure supply chain processes
  • Proper internal controls
  • Minimum business activity period (as prescribed by CBIC)

Benefits of AEO status

AEO-certified entities receive customs facilitation benefits, set out below for all certified entities and by type of business.

All AEO-certified entities

  • Secure supply chain
  • Credibility with the international partners
  • Faster customs clearance
  • Reduced cargo inspections
  • Priority processing
  • Deferred duty payment
  • Direct Port Delivery (DPD) / Direct Port Entry (DPE)
  • Lower transaction costs
  • International recognition under Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)
  • Waiver of full or part of the Bank Guarantee requirements / Merchant overtime fees

Importers & exporters

  • Faster release of cargo
  • Reduced examination percentage
  • Priority assessment
  • Self-certified copies accepted
  • Fewer document verifications

Customs brokers & logistics operators

  • Priority movement of consignments
  • Better global credibility
  • Improved client confidence
  • Reduced delays in supply chain operations

Application process

  1. Self-assessment of eligibility

  2. Online registration on AEO portal

  3. Submission of application & documents

  4. Customs verification / audit

  5. Approval and grant of certification

Official portal: AEO India Portal

Importance of AEO in India

The AEO programme supports ease of doing business, secure global supply chains, faster exports and imports, reduced logistics cost and a trusted trader ecosystem. India's AEO programme is aligned with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

Frequently asked questions

What is an AEO?
AEO stands for Authorised Economic Operator: a business entity involved in international trade that is recognized by the Customs as a trusted and compliant trade partner (AEO = Trusted International Trade Partner certified by Customs).
What are the AEO categories and their validity?
AEO-T1 (entry level) and AEO-T2 (advanced) are for importers / exporters and are valid for 3 years. AEO-T3 (highest accreditation) is for importers / exporters and AEO-LO (logistics category) is for logistics providers, custodians or terminal operators, customs brokers and warehouse operators; both are valid for 5 years.
Who can apply for AEO status?
The programme covers entities in the international supply chain, including importers, exporters, customs brokers, logistics providers, freight forwarders, warehouse operators, port operators and terminal operators.
What is the basic eligibility for AEO?
An applicant generally should have a good compliance record, financial solvency, secure supply chain processes, proper internal controls and a minimum business activity period (as prescribed by CBIC).
How does the AEO application process work?
The steps are: self-assessment of eligibility; online registration on the AEO portal; submission of application and documents; customs verification / audit; and approval and grant of certification.

Related