CBIC commemorates 10 years of India’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme; Outlines way forward and reaffirms commitment to trusted trade

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) marked a decade of India's Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme with an event in New Delhi. The programme has grown to certify 5,967 entities—including importers, exporters, manufacturers, customs brokers, logistics operators, and warehouse operators—across T1, T2, T3, and LO categories. Aligned with the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE Framework of Standards, the initiative has shifted customs administration from a transaction-centric approach to a risk-based, trust-oriented model. Officials outlined future steps including technology-driven facilitation, inclusivity for MSMEs, Mutual Recognition Arrangements, and the launch of a stakeholder feedback response form on the AEO portal. Additionally, documentation requirements for the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) Scheme were rationalized via circular.