Authorized Economic Operator eligibility expanded, with MSME-focused relaxations and reduced documentary and qualifying-period requirements for certification.

Eligibility for the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certificate requires an applicant to be an established legal entity engaged in customs-related activity in India, to demonstrate customs and legal compliance, financial solvency, adequate recordkeeping, and internal controls addressing premises, cargo, conveyance and personnel security. There must be no prosecution pending or contemplated, and applicants must identify, disclose and remediate irregularities. MSME applicants benefit from relaxed documentary thresholds, shortened qualifying periods and simplified annexures and verification requirements.

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