Who can apply?
Importers and exporters can seek T1 or T2 status under the applicable criteria. T3 is for qualifying T2 holders. Logistics providers, Customs brokers, custodians and warehouse operators have a separate LO category.
COMPLIANCE & ADVISORY
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Advisory
Prepare for AEO certification with a review of your Customs compliance, records and the requirements of the appropriate tier.
Discuss this requirement ↗UNDERSTAND THE SERVICE
What is Authorised Economic Operator status?
AEO is an Indian Customs programme recognising businesses with reliable compliance and secure international supply chains. It offers facilitation according to the approved tier and business activity. Certification is granted by Customs, not by a consultant.
Key benefits
- T1: Customs facilitation, eligible direct port delivery or entry and reduced bank guarantees, subject to exceptions.
- T2: enhanced facilitation, priority assessment and examination, deferred duty payment for eligible importers, a Customs relationship manager and applicable mutual recognition benefits.
- T3: the highest level of facilitation and bank guarantee exemption, except for provisional release of seized goods; other conditions still apply.
- LO: benefits depend on the operator’s role and can include specified guarantee waivers and simplified logistics or warehousing procedures.
Choosing a tier
T1 focuses on eligibility, legal compliance, record management and financial solvency. T2, T3 and LO also involve detailed security requirements. We review your business activity and evidence before recommending an application route.
What happens after certification?
Keep records and controls current, report material changes and comply with the renewal or declaration requirements applicable to your certificate. AEO status does not remove Customs oversight.
Important distinction
AEO is not a blanket duty exemption or a guarantee that shipments will never be examined. Any benefit depends on the relevant tier, transaction and legal conditions.
Official references reviewed
This overview was checked against the Indian AEO portal on 19 September 2026. Current circulars, certificate conditions and Customs decisions govern each application.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Support tailored to your matter.
- Business and tier suitability assessment
- Compliance and documentation gap review
- Application preparation and filing support
- Coordination of records and internal responsibilities
- Responses to Customs queries
- Preparation for verification where applicable
- Support with continuing compliance and certificate requirements
YOUR QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions.
What does AEO stand for?
AEO stands for Authorised Economic Operator. Indian Customs uses the programme to recognise eligible businesses with strong compliance and supply chain controls.
Which AEO category is relevant to my business?
Importers and exporters use T1, T2 or T3 according to eligibility. LO covers qualifying logistics and related service providers. The categories are not interchangeable.
Does T1 provide bank guarantee relief?
The portal states a T1 guarantee requirement of 50% of the amount applicable to a business without AEO status, with prescribed exceptions. For eligible MSME T1 entities, the stated requirement is 25%. These are remaining guarantee amounts, not reductions of Customs duty.
What additional financial facilities can T2 provide?
T2 can provide deferred duty payment for eligible importers and a guarantee requirement of 25% of the amount applicable without AEO status, subject to exceptions. The stated requirement for eligible MSME T2 entities is 10%. Deferred payment changes payment timing; it does not cancel duty.
Does T3 remove all bank guarantees?
The official T3 page provides bank guarantee exemption except where a guarantee is ordered for provisional release of seized goods. Confirm how the relevant transaction is treated before relying on the exemption.
Can Customs brokers or warehouse operators apply?
Yes, eligible operators may apply under AEO LO. Benefits are specific to the role. Customs brokers have a guarantee waiver under the relevant licensing regulations, while warehouse operators have specified approval and security concessions.
Is there a government application fee?
Indian Customs states that no fee is charged for filing an AEO application. Consultancy charges, where agreed, are separate.
Will our premises be inspected?
Verification depends on the category and operations. T2, T3 and LO involve detailed security requirements. Prepare working procedures and evidence that they are followed, rather than documents alone.
How long does certification take?
Official timelines depend on the tier and submission of complete information. Clarifications and verification scheduling can affect the actual time. We do not promise a fixed approval date.
Does AEO guarantee benefits overseas?
T2 and T3 holders can receive facilitation under applicable Mutual Recognition Agreements or Arrangements. Benefits depend on the partner Customs administration and the arrangement; recognition is not universal.
Can a consultant guarantee approval?
No. Customs assesses the application and decides whether to grant certification. Our role is to help assess readiness, prepare evidence and respond to queries.
For applicable policy, forms and current requirements: Indian AEO programme · T1 benefits · T2 benefits · T3 benefits · LO benefits · Application and eligibility · Circulars and checklists. Eligibility and filing requirements are assessed for the relevant transaction and policy period.
LET’S DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENT
Practical advice starts
with a conversation.
Speak with Rajiv Manek about your business and the next step.