Relaxed norms to help MSMEs get AEO recognition

At present, there 791 entities with AEO-LO recognition, 3,206 parties with AEO-T1 recognition, 581 parties with AEO-T2 recognition, and 20 parties with AEO-T3 recognition

In a welcome move, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has relaxed the compliance and security requirements for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to get recognition as authorised economic operators (AEO). The idea is to help an MSME get internationally recognised quality recognition that indicates its secure role in the international supply chain and an assurance that it is a ‘secure’ trader and a reliable trading partner.

In 2016, the CBIC launched a revised trade facilitation programme by merging the existing accredited clients programme (ACP) and ongoing AEO scheme into a revised AEO programme that provides additional