AEO
AEO
Trusted Trade • Facilitation Official Programme Portal

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

The AEO Programme recognises entities with strong compliance, secure supply-chain practices and efficient Customs procedures, enabling eligible facilitation benefits.

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?
Explainer
Why it matters
Priority facilitation for trusted operators; stronger supply chain assurance.
Who should apply
Importers, exporters, logistics, custodians, Customs brokers, and other stakeholders.
How to apply Programme overview
Downloads
Circulars, SOPs, templates
FAQs
Answers by topic
Impact
Trusted trade, measurable facilitation
Trusted-trade partnership
AEO-certified entities
View list of certified entities
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
Importers, exporters, manufacturers and traders involved in Customs-related international supply-chain activities.
Check eligibility
Logistics
Logistics service providers, carriers, freight forwarders, warehouse operators and other eligible supply-chain participants.
Check eligibility
Custodians
CFS/ICD, bonded facilities
Check eligibility
Customs Brokers
Customs brokers and intermediaries
Check eligibility
New to AEO?
Take the readiness self-check and get a recommended tier + checklist.
Start self-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
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.
Better service for MSMEs
Clear guidance, templates, and outreach support to onboard new applicants.
Tip
If you are an MSME, start with readiness self-check to understand documents and controls required.
How to apply View 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 help?
Raise a query with category selection for faster routing and track responses.
Contact helpdesk
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
Certificate

Certificate & Quick links

Use quick links and certificate search tools to access essential AEO services and verification resources.

Quick links
Jump to frequently used pages.
Downloads FAQs Certificate Search