About AEO Program
AEO is a program under the aegis of the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards to secure and facilitate Global Trade. AEO is a voluntary compliance program that enables Indian Customs to enhance and streamline cargo security through close cooperation with the principal stakeholders of the international supply chain, viz. importers, exporters, logistics providers, custodians or terminal operators, customs brokers, and warehouse operators. The Indian AEO program started in 2011 and was strengthened in 2016. The Directorate of International Customs of CBIC implements it. There has been an exponential increase in the number of AEO-certified clients. As of 31.10.2024, there are 5,947 AEO entities in India in a three-tier program with an additional tier of logistical operators.
India has signed an MRA on AEO with the Customs Administrations of South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, USA, UAE, Australia, and Russia. By this agreement, the AEO status of the MRA partner’s AEO program is recognized by each other, and trade facilitation is extended reciprocally. India has also signed Joint Action Plans (JAP) to conclude an MRA with Uganda, East African Community, South Africa, Japan, Bahrain, Singapore, New Zealand, the UK, Belarus and BRICS. A joint action plan with Brazil was signed during the conference to enter into an MRA.
Reference: PIB