AEO
AEO
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How to Apply for AEO

Find out who can apply for AEO status, the documents required, the application process, indicative processing timelines, and how to avoid common deficiencies.

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WHO CAN APPLY

Eligibility

AEO is for entities involved in the international supply chain that undertake Customs-related activity in India, subject to the prescribed eligibility and compliance criteria.

Manufacturers/Traders
Importers and exporters may apply for AEO-T1 or AEO-T2, subject to the prescribed criteria. AEO-T3 is available to eligible AEO-T2 holders in accordance with the conditions prescribed in the AEO Circular.
Logistics Operators (LO)
Logistics service providers, custodians/terminal operators, Customs brokers and warehouse operators.
Compliance readiness
Ability to demonstrate compliance and maintain auditable records.
Documented processes
SOPs exist (or can be created) and are followed consistently.
APPLICATION STEPS

Visual stepper

  1. Step 1
    Prepare
    Use checklists + templates; organise evidence.
  2. Step 2
    Submit
    Complete guided form and upload documents.
  3. Step 3
    Desk review
    Completeness checks; clarifications if needed.
  4. Step 4
    Verification
    The information and documents are verified by the AEO team through a visit to the relevant premises.
  5. Step 5
    Decision
    Certification/
    communication; obligations begin.
Documents & templates What validation involves
TIMELINES

Indicative timelines & stages

Indicative only. Actual time depends on completeness, clarifications, and validation scheduling.

Stage
AEO T1
Certificate within 30 days after complete information/documents
Stage
AEO T3
30 days for eligible continuous T2 cases, subject to significant changes
Stage
AEO T2
Scrutiny/intimation within 30 days, team assignment within 15 days, visit within 90 days, report within 60 days of visit completion, decision within 30 days of recommendation
Stage
AEO LO
Scrutiny/intimation within 30 days, team assignment within 15 days, visit within 90 days, report within 60 days of visit completion, decision within 30 days of recommendation
Eligible MSME applications
AEO-T1 applications are to be processed within 15 working days and AEO-T2 applications within 3 months after submission of complete documents.
Stage tracker meanings
Under review
Desk scrutiny and completeness checks.
Clarification requested
Action needed from applicant.
Validation scheduled
Visit plan shared with you.
AVOID DELAYS

Common reasons for delays & how to avoid them

Incomplete or inconsistent documents
Use the checklist. Ensure names/addresses/IDs match across documents.
SOPs without evidence
Attach logs, approvals, records, and examples that show SOPs are followed.
Slow response to clarifications
Assign an internal owner and respond within the recommended window.
Validation scheduling friction
Offer multiple slots; keep key staff and records ready.
Ready to proceed?
Fastest path for first-time users
Eligibility & readiness self-check Documents & templates Apply / Login
Apply Eligibility & Readiness

Eligibility & Readiness

Start readiness self-check Download checklist
ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility criteria

Compliance track record
You can demonstrate compliance and maintain auditable records.
Documented processes
SOPs exist and are used consistently across operations.
Safety and security requirements
Detailed safety and security controls apply to AEO-T2, AEO-T3 and AEO-LO applications. AEO-T1 applicants must meet the eligibility, legal compliance, record-management and financial-solvency requirements prescribed for that tier.
Defined responsibility
Named owners for compliance, security, and record management.
READINESS SELF-CHECK

Interactive questionnaire → recommended tier

Answer a few questions. Recommendation is indicative; final outcome depends on official criteria and validation.

Readiness questionnaire
This self-check is indicative only and does not determine eligibility or certification. Final decision is as per applicable circulars and validation.
1) What best describes you?
2) SOP maturity & evidence availability
3) Security & access controls (as applicable)
4) Governance cadence
Apply Fees / Charges

Fees / Charges

No fee

No fee is charged by Indian Customs for filing an AEO application.

Apply Validation & Certification

Validation & Certification Process

What validation involves, what to expect during visits/verification, and post-certification obligations.

VALIDATION

What validation involves

For applications requiring verification, the AEO Programme Team examines the submitted information and documents and verifies the relevant processes, records, controls and premises. The scope of verification depends on the certificate applied for and the applicant’s operations.

Evidence verification
Confirm SOPs exist and are implemented with records/logs.
Controls review
Security/access controls and incident response (as applicable).
Discussions & walk-through
Talk to Management; observe workflow and control points.
Findings & corrective actions
Gaps may be recorded and closure evidence requested.
POST-CERTIFICATION

Post-certification obligations, renewal, suspension, downgrading and revocation

Maintain controls & records
Keep SOP implementation and evidence/logs up to date.
Report significant changes
Ownership, premises, key processes, security changes, Notify significant changes affecting AEO status, including legal entity, business name/address, nature of business, accounting/computer systems, senior Customs-responsible personnel, and addition/deletion of supply-chain locations/branches, preferably as soon as known and within 14 days.
Renewal / re-validation
Follow renewal timelines; keep documentation current.
Suspension, downgrading and revocation
AEO status may be suspended, downgraded or revoked in the circumstances specified in the applicable AEO Circulars, after following the prescribed process.
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Apply or manage your application

New applicant
Start with eligibility & readiness, then prepare documents and submit.
  1. Check eligibility
  2. Create account
  3. Submit application
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Help resources for first-time users
Make help discoverable before login.
How to Apply for AEO Documents & templates Validation process Contact helpdesk
AEO India — Apply (Guided Journey)