Customs Manual 2023 updates AEO Programme benefits and decentralizes application processing for better trade facilitation. See Circular No. 3/2018-Customs.
The Customs Manual 2023 outlines modifications in benefits under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme following a mid-term review of the Foreign Trade Policy. Additional benefits have been assigned to AEO-certified entities, leading to changes in CBEC's Circular No. 33/2016-Cus. To enhance the programme's reach, the competent authority decided to decentralize the processing of AEO applications, aiming to improve trade facilitation and ease of doing business. These changes are reflected in Circular No. 3/2018-Customs.