An AEO is a trade operator that Customs has approved as compliant and secure, and that therefore receives facilitation. CBIC runs the Indian AEO programme.

• Direct Port Delivery of imported containers and Direct Port Entry of export containers.
• Faster customs clearance and shorter cargo release times.
• Exemption from bank guarantees.
• Priority for refunds, rebates and duty drawback.
• A Client Relationship Manager at the customs port as a single point of contact.
• Deferred payment of customs duty for specified AEOs.
• For Tier 2 AEOs, facilitation by foreign customs administrations for exports to countries with which India has a Mutual Recognition Agreement or Arrangement.

This list is from the Government's January 2021 press release. Check the current CBIC circulars for what applies today.

In January 2021 CBIC launched a liberalised AEO package for micro, small and medium enterprises. It relaxed compliance criteria, simplified the documents, reduced bank guarantee requirements further, and committed to decide Tier 1 applications within 15 days of the complete documents being submitted electronically.

According to the release, MSMEs holding a valid certificate from their line Ministry, with at least 10 customs clearance documents filed in one year and a clean compliance record over two years. The scheme is voluntary. Check current eligibility with CBIC before you apply.

The Government releases refer to Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3. Tier 1 applications have been processed on the AEO portal since December 2018. In July 2021 CBIC launched online filing for Tier 2 and Tier 3 applications, under Circular No. 13/2021-Customs dated 1 July 2021.

On the AEO portal, www.aeoindia.gov.in, which CBIC launched for Tier 2 and Tier 3 filing in 2021. Read the current circulars on cbic.gov.in first.

The Foreign Trade Policy 2023 says AEO certificate holders may opt in under Advance Authorisation, and that holders of two-star or above status may apply under conditions, including a pending AEO application. See our post on Advance Authorisation.

PIB reported that CBIC introduced a deferred customs duty payment facility for eligible manufacturer importers, as announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. We could not read the full conditions. Check the CBIC notification and circular, or ask us. See also our Budget 2026-27 post.

It depends on your volume and your compliance record. A frequent importer or exporter that clears many consignments can gain a lot from faster release and lower guarantees. Tell us your volumes and we will give you a straight answer.

Yes. We will check your eligibility, your records and the documents, and guide you through the online application. We are just a call and a message away.