The Government of India has implemented several initiatives under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) framework to accelerate exports and imports. In a recent statement, Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary highlighted key facilitation measures for AEO certificate holders, such as:
- Priority clearance in imports and exports
- Direct Port Delivery (DPD) and Direct Port Entry (DPE)
- Automated and on-site clearance
- Deferred payments for Tier-II and Tier-III AEOs
- Relaxed bank guarantee norms
- Recognition by foreign customs through Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs)
To expand AEO benefits to MSMEs, the government relaxed certification processes, streamlined documentation, and conducted over 60 outreach programs in the last 3 years. Global and national conferences in 2024 and 2025 were organized to create awareness and improve stakeholder engagement.
With MRAs in place, Indian AEO certificate holders now enjoy faster cargo release, fewer inspections, and smoother customs processes in partner countries, making exports more efficient and globally competitive.
