AEO Certification Process in India
What is the AEO Certification Process?
The AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification process is a structured assessment conducted by CBIC under India’s customs framework. It involves the submission of documents, verification of internal systems, physical security, and trade compliance to determine eligibility for AEO status.
Step-by-Step AEO Certification Procedure
Step 1: Preliminary Assessment & Document Preparation
Ensure your business meets the eligibility criteria and prepare all necessary documents, including SOPs, self-declarations, site layouts, and compliance records.
Step 2: Submit Application to AEO Program Manager
Fill out the AEO application form and submit it along with all annexures, declarations, and supporting documents to the Directorate General of Performance Management (DGPM), CBIC.
Step 3: Application Scrutiny by CBIC
The customs authority reviews your submitted documents. For AEO T1, this is generally desk-based. For T2 and T3, a site inspection and in-depth evaluation are initiated.
Step 4: Site Verification & Interviews (T2 and T3)
For higher tiers, CBIC conducts on-site verification of your physical security systems, operational controls, IT safeguards, employee access, and cargo handling procedures.
Step 5: Compliance Evaluation
Customs officials assess your record of compliance with customs, GST, DGFT, and other government authorities over the last 3 years.
Step 6: Issuance of AEO Certificate
If all checks are satisfactory, the AEO certificate is granted. You'll receive an official letter and digital certificate from the CBIC office.
Expected Timelines
AEO-T1: 30 to 60 working days
AEO-T2: 60 to 90 working days
AEO-T3: 90 to 120+ working days
The timeline may vary based on application complexity and customs workload.
Common Reasons for Delay
Incomplete or missing documents
Inaccurate SOPs or annexures
Poor compliance history
Delays in site visit scheduling
Lack of internal controls or training
How YKG Global Helps in the AEO Certification Process
Our team handles the entire process for you — from eligibility review to post-certification support:
Application and annexure preparation
Document compilation and formatting
SOP and policy drafting
Pre-site audit preparation
Liaison with customs officials
Timeline tracking and updates
Begin Your AEO Journey Today
Don't let delays or documentation errors hold you back. Let our experts manage the full certification process for you.
📧 Email: Rishi@ykgglobal.com
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