AEO
AEO
AEO
Trusted Trade • Facilitation Official Programme Portal

Faster, safer, and more predictable cross-border trade with AEO

The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme recognises businesses with robust compliance and security practices, enabling priority facilitation and trusted trade.

Explore programme Verify certificate
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) • Directorate of International Customs (DIC)
Tiers
T1 / T2 / T3 / LO
Choose the right track
Guided application
Step-by-step
Checklist-driven
Resources
Circulars & SOPs
Searchable library
Support
Helpdesk
Queries & tracking

What is AEO?

90-second explainer video

Explainer

Embed official explainer here

Use captions • bilingual recommended

Why it matters

Priority facilitation for trusted operators; stronger supply chain assurance.

Who should apply

Importers, exporters, logistics, custodians, brokers, and other stakeholders.

How to apply Programme overview
Downloads
FAQs
Impact
Trusted trade, measurable facilitation
Snapshot indicators (placeholders — replace with official metrics)
Trusted-trade partnership
AEO-certified entities
Verified and recognised under the programme
Facilitation
Priority processing
Reduced routine interventions (as applicable)
Outreach
Webinars & clinics
Capacity building for MSMEs & new applicants
Predictability
Lower dwell time
Better planning and supply-chain certainty
Discover

AEO in brief

A structured trusted-trade programme recognising entities with strong compliance and supply-chain security.

Objectives
  • Enable faster and predictable clearances for compliant operators.
  • Strengthen supply chain security and internal controls.
  • Build trusted partnerships between trade and Customs.
Legal basis

Programme guidance, public notices, and circulars as issued by Customs.

View circulars & SOPs
Who it’s for

Eligible roles in the supply chain

Apply based on your business activity and readiness. The portal will guide tier selection and document checklists.

Importers / Exporters
Manufacturers, traders, e-commerce
Check eligibility
Logistics
Carriers, freight forwarders, warehouse operators
Check eligibility
Custodians
CFS/ICD, bonded facilities
Check eligibility
Brokers
Customs brokers and intermediaries
Check eligibility
New to AEO?

Take the readiness self-check and get a recommended tier + checklist.

Start Check
Benefits & Tiers

Choose the right tier — unlock trusted trade benefits

Four tracks cover different maturity levels and supply chain roles. Compare at a glance and explore detailed tier pages.

AEO T1
Entry tier
Tier
  • Faster clearances
  • Reduced inspections
  • Priority facilitation
View details Apply
AEO T2
Enhanced assurance
Tier
  • Additional facilitation
  • Improved predictability
  • Streamlined processes
View details Apply
AEO T3
Advanced tier
Tier
  • Maximum facilitation
  • Trusted partnership
  • Higher recognition
View details Apply
AEO LO
Logistics operators
Tier
  • End-to-end supply chain trust
  • Faster movement
  • Reduced dwell time
View details Apply
Benefits highlights
Official Facilitation
Priority facilitation
Reduced routine examinations and faster processing for certified entities.
Predictable trade
Greater certainty, fewer delays, and better planning for supply chains.
Trusted partnership
Recognition of robust compliance, security, and internal controls.
Tip
If you are an MSME, start with readiness self-check to understand documents and controls required.
How to apply Checklists
Apply

Guided application journey

A clear lifecycle to help you understand what happens at each stage. The portal guides you with checklists and tips.

1

Apply

Create profile, pick tier, submit guided application with documents.

2

Validate

Verification and validation of compliance, controls, and security practices.

3

Certify

Certification decision and issuance of AEO certificate and validity period.

4

Monitor

Ongoing compliance and post-certification obligations; renewals and updates.

Download checklists
Quick Actions
Tools
Downloads
Circulars, SOPs, templates
FAQs
Answers by topic
Certificate Search
Verify AEO status
Contact / Helpdesk
Raise a query
Need Assistance?

Submit a query with category selection for faster routing and track responses in real-time.

Contact Helpdesk Track Status
Programme Overview

Structured, task-based guidance

Designed to reduce ambiguity: clear roles, clear process, and clear resources — so applicants can move faster with confidence.

What AEO is

A trusted-trade partnership recognising entities with strong compliance and security controls.

LEARN MORE

Objectives

Facilitation for trusted operators; stronger supply chain assurance; predictable trade.

LEARN MORE

Governance

Implemented by CBIC with the Directorate of International Customs (DIC) and field formations.

LEARN MORE

How it works

Apply → Validate → Certify → Monitor. Transparent stages and guidance at each step.

LEARN MORE

New Applicant Pack

Start with eligibility + checklist + templates for policies and SOPs.

OPEN RESOURCE LIBRARY Eligibility & readiness
Resources

Resource library

Searchable downloads and guidance — circulars, SOPs, templates, FAQs and more.

AEO Programme – operational instructions (latest)
PDF • Updated Jan 2026
Circulars
Open Download
Quick links
Jump to frequently used pages.
Downloads FAQs Certificate Search Helpdesk
Latest updates

News & blog

Policy updates, outreach highlights, and guidance notes — in concise, searchable formats.

AEO outreach webinar for MSMEs: onboarding & readiness
Jan 22, 2026 Webinar
A practical session on eligibility, document checklist, and common validation observations.
Read more
Updated guidance note on validation visit preparation
Jan 10, 2026 Guidance
A concise checklist to help applicants prepare policies, SOPs, and security controls.
Read more
New templates added: internal controls & security SOP outlines
Dec 28, 2025 Templates
Download editable templates to speed up application readiness and compliance documentation.
Read more
Upcoming

Events & webinars

Register for outreach sessions and access recordings and materials after the event.

Next sessions
Calendar
AEO Programme Orientation — Importers & Exporters
Feb 06, 2026 • 11:00–12:15 IST • Online
Register View details
Trusted Trade Corridor: Industry roundtable
Feb 14, 2026 • 15:00–17:00 IST • Hybrid
Register View details
Validation readiness clinic (Q&A)
Feb 21, 2026 • 10:30–11:30 IST • Online
Register View details
View all events Past recordings
Notifications
Subscribe to receive email alerts for circulars, events, and portal updates.
Subscribe
Support

Helpdesk & contact

Get assistance for applications, portal access, documents, validation, and post-certification obligations.

Raise a query
Categorise your request for faster routing. Attach supporting documents if required.
Submit query Track query
Expected response time and escalation matrix can be published here.
Quick contact
Replace placeholders with official helpdesk numbers and email addresses.
Email
helpdesk-aeo@…
Phone
+91-…
Working hours
Mon–Fri, 10:00–17:30 IST