AEO T1 Certificate
Apply for AEO T1 Certificate with us and get identified as a reliable exporter globally
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Business served
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AEO T1 Certificate
Apply for AEO T1 Certificate with us and get identified as a reliable exporter globally
6000 +
Business served
9.6/10
Customer Ratings
100 %
Satisfaction
What is AEO T1 Certificate?
The World Customs Organization (WCO) initiated the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program as part of the SAFE framework to ensure and expedite global trade. The program's objective is to strengthen security in the international supply chain while also promoting the movement of legal goods. Government of India has introduced this program to improve Ease of Doing Business in they country. The AEO program provides importers and exporters with a three-tier certification system (AEO T1, AEO T2, and AEO T3) and a single-tier certification system (AEO-LO) for logistics operators.
AEO T1 is the first tier of the AEO Certificate which is only available for importers and exporters. It is considered as a basic level of certification and allows for simplified customs procedures and reduced customs controls.
What are the benefits of obtaining AEO T1 certificate?
Higher Facilitation
AEO T1 certified companies are given priority treatment and faster clearance of their goods compared to non AEO companies. This higher facilitation leads to reduced waiting times and lower costs associated with customs procedures.
Only One OSPCA in One year
The AEO T1 certfied companies will not be subjected to regular transactional Post-Clearance Audits (PCA). On-site PCA will be conducted only once in a year.
Faster Dispute Resolution
AEO T1 certified companies are given a facility of expedited dispute resolution preferably within 6 months. Investigation relating to indirect tax cases will also be done on priority.
24x7 Clearance
Companies having AEO T1 certificate get the facility of 24/7 clearance at all seaports and airports. Furthermore, these companies are also exempted from paying Merchant Overtime Fees.
50% BG Waiver
AEO T1 certified companies will have the facility of 50% BG Waiver. AEO T1 companies are eligible to provide 50% less bank guarantee as compared to non-certified companies.
Email on arrival/departure
Companies having AEO T1 certificate will receive regular email updates on arrival and departure of the vessels.
Direct Port Delivery and Direct Port Entry
AEO T1 certified companies are eligible for both Direct Port Delivery and Direct Port Entry facilities, which can further lead to reduced dwell time, faster turnaround time, and cost savings.
ID cards and space in warehouse
An authorised personnel from an AEO T1 certified company is issued an ID Card from Indian Customs Authorities to facilitate hassle-free entry to Customs House, CFS (Container Freight Station), and ICD (Inland Container Depot).
Who are eligible for AEO T1 Certificate?
Companies who have handled at least 25 documents (Shipping Bills & Bills of Entry) in last Financial Year are eligible to apply for AEO T1 Certificate
Companies applying for AEO T1 Certificate should be a part of an international supply chain
AEO T1 can be given to a whole legal entity of an organisation and not separately to subsidiaries of a group company
Only companies that are established in India are eligible to apply for AEO T1 Certificate
Companies that have had business operation for 3 years are eligible to apply for AEO T1 certificate. (This condition can be waived off for deserving cases)
How will we help you obtain AEO T1 Certificate?
right knowledge
We help you by giving you the right knowledge about the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) benefits and obligation attached with it
Documentation and Certification
We help in completing the procedural requirement and documentation that includes forms, declarations, certificates and submitting them before the concerned authorities
Robust follow up routine
post certification support
Frequently Asked Questions
All you need to know before applying for AEO T1 Certificate:
An AEO is a business engaged in international movement of goods that must comply with national Customs law and WCO SAFE security standards. Approval by the national administration is required based on compliance with these standards. The Indian AEO program is based on WCO SAFE security standards.
The AEO program aims to identify safe and compliant businesses and provide them with facilitated customs clearance. This helps Customs focus on regulating risky businesses and secures the international supply chain by promoting best practices. The program is a collaboration between Customs and businesses, where businesses share responsibility for securing the supply chain and receive benefits in return. It encourages best practices and mutual cooperation to minimize risks and improve supply chain security, benefiting both Customs and businesses by enhancing security, reducing costs and facilitating trade.
The AEO Scheme of the WCO was developed in response to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, which highlighted the potential risk of the supply chain being exploited for illegal activities. Governments around the world recognized the need to enhance supply chain security and ensure the safe movement of goods across borders.
The AEO Program began in India as a pilot project in 2011 through Circular No. 37/2011-Customs. Later, it was revised and the final version was introduced through Circular No. 28/2012 on November 16, 2012.
No, AEO status is optional and depends on the business’s position in the supply chain and desire to obtain its benefits.
The Indian AEO program has three tiers for importers and exporters: AEO-T1, AEO-T2, and AEO-T3, with increasing benefits and compliance requirements. Logistics providers, custodians, terminal operators, customs brokers, and warehouse operators have a single-tier program called AEO-LO certification.
AEO-T1 and AEO-T2 are valid for three years, while AEO-T3 and AEO-LO are valid for five years.
Yes, AEO certificate is valid at all Customs stations in India, which means AEO status holders will receive its benefits at all ports, airports, and land Customs stations.
Yes, all AEO Status holders including AEO T1, AEO T2, and AEO T3 are entitled for DPD / DPE facility.
No, the amount of Bank Guarantee is not automatically reduced to 50%, 25%, and Nil for T1, T2, and T3. CBIC Circular No. 38/2016 dated August 22, 2016, specifies the situations where the reduction applies, and it does not apply when a competent authority orders the submission of a bank guarantee for the provisional release of seized goods.
AEO T2 and AEO T3 status holders are eligible for deferred payment of duty scheme. As a part of this scheme, status holders can delink duty payment from Customs clearance. It is based on the principle ‘Clear First-Pay later’. Basically AEO T2 and AEO T3 status holders can delay the payment of customs duty by certain period of time.
To access deferred payment of duty, eligible importers must inform their intention to the Principal Commissioner of Customs or the Commissioner of Customs and register on the ICEGATE website at www.icegate.gov.in, following Rule 4 of the Deferred Payment of Import Duty Rules, 2016.
Yes, facilitation benefits will be available in countries with which India has signed Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA). India’s Customs has signed MRAs with South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong Customs, allowing reciprocal trade benefits.
Mutual Recognition Agreement is a bilateral trade agreement between two countries.
No, the AEO LO status is only valid and applicable to the applicant, not their importers or exporters. Importers and exporters must apply separately for AEO status.
The following Chief Commissioner of Customs offices are currently designated for processing AEO applications:
- Mumbai Zone-I
- Mumbai Zone-II
- Mumbai Zone-III
- Delhi
- Vishakhapatnam
- Patna
- Bhubaneswar
- Chennai
- Ahmedabad
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Pune
- Tiruchirappalli
- Nagpur
- Bangalore
- Bhopal
AEO Applications has to be submitted online and physically at the respective customs jurisdiction offices.
Yes, they can reapply if the reasons for rejection are no longer valid and they meet the eligibility criteria.
An existing AEO certificate holder can apply for higher AEO
status. There is no time limit for filing higher status application except in case of AEO-T3.
No, there is no provision to grant a seperate AEO status to a specific branch, site or division of a legal entity
In general, an applicant for Indian AEO status must have business activities for at least three financial years before the date of application. However, in some exceptional cases where the AEO Programme Manager conducts a physical verification of a newly established business entity’s internal controls, they may consider it for certification.
Yes, MSMEs can apply for AEO all tiers including AEO T1, AEO T2, AEO T3 and AEO LO.
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