The Government of India has taken many steps to fast-track exports and imports under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) framework. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

The key steps taken includes the following facilitation measures for AEO certificate holders:

• Higher level of facilitation in import and export of consignments;
• Facility of Direct Port Delivery (DPD) import containers and/or Direct Port Entry (DPE) for export containers;
• Automated Clearance and On-site examination for certain type of consignments;
• Facility of Deferred payment for Tier-III and Tier-II AEO certificate holders;
• Relaxed norms for submission of bank guarantee, wherever applicable;
• Recognition by Partner Government Agencies and other Stakeholders.
• AEO certificate holders also receive trade facilitation support from foreign customs administrations with whom India has signed Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRAs), thereby enhancing their global trade efficiency.

The Minister stated that as on 30th June, 2025, 5,892 AEO certificates were issued.

Giving more details, the Minister further stated that the Government of India conducted more than 60 outreach programmes across the country in last 3 years, with particular focus on MSMEs to raise awareness about the AEO Scheme. Government of India conducted a global conference titled "India AEO Dialogue: Enhancing Global Trade Partnerships" in November 2024. Two conferences were also held in April and May 2025, with various stakeholders to raise awareness about the AEO programme. To increase participation of MSMEs, in 2020, along with prioritized processing of their applications, the accreditation process was relaxed for MSMEs, annexures to be provided with application for AEO certification by MSMEs were also rationalized. The norms for submission of bank guarantee, wherever required, were also relaxed for AEO Certificate holder MSMEs.

Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRAs) are based on mutual acknowledgment of supply chain security standards and AEO certificate holders of one country are recognized as secure and low-risk by the customs administration of another. Accordingly, exports by Indian AEO Certificate holders enjoy faster cargo release, fewer inspections and expedited customs clearance in partner countries, thus making exports by Indian AEO certificate holders more competitive and enhancing trade facilitation for them in partner countries.

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NB/KMN

Authorized Economic Operator status accelerates cross-border trade through enhanced facilitation and mutual recognition arrangements with partners. The Government expanded facilitation under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) framework by providing higher facilitation for consignments, Direct Port Delivery/Entry, automated clearance and on site examination for specified consignments, deferred payment for Tier II and Tier III holders, and relaxed bank guarantee norms; recognition by partner agencies and Mutual Recognition Arrangements expedite cargo release and reduce inspections for Indian AEO holders.