How to Track AEO Registration Application and Check AEO Status
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) formed the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to act as its flagship program for the Indian Customs administration. The AEO program assist firms in conducting transactions with ease by giving exclusive benefits to importers, exporters, logistics and supply chain stakeholders who are consistent in adhering to customs regulations and have secure international supply chains.
The process of tracking AEO certification application after submission proves essential for maintaining proper communication with the authorities and submitting required documentation in a timely manner. The following provides a systematic process for monitoring AEO registration applications through authorized government websites.
- Visit the ICEGATE Portal – Your Starting Point
- Use Your AEO Application Number or Reference ID
- Log In Using ICEGATE and AEO Portal Credentials
- ICEGATE Portal
- AEO India Portal- "https://www.aeoindia.gov.in
- Navigate to the “AEO Status” Section
- Go to the main dashboard
- Select the ‘AEO Application’ tab or menu
- Click on ‘Application Status’
- The Application Reference Number
- Or your IEC number
- Understand the Application Status Updates
- Contact the AEO Cell for Assistance
- Be Alert for Site Verification or Interview Notices
- “Site Visit Scheduled” – Field officers will verify your premises, records, systems, and compliance.
- “Interview Pending” – Be prepared to answer questions about internal controls, security processes, and trade history.
- Post-Approval: Verify Your Listing on CBIC Website
- Will be mentioned on your certificate
- Can be used to claim benefits at customs points
- Is listed on the CBIC’s official AEO list, which is publicly accessible
- You respond promptly to any clarifications
- There are no missed communications or delays
- Your certification is granted without unnecessary hurdles
To begin tracking your AEO application, first navigate to the official: ICEGATE website
ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) is the e-commerce portal of the CBIC and acts as the single window interface for customs-related electronic documentation and services. It allows registered users to track shipping bills, bill of entry, and other customs filings – including the AEO application.
Once the AEO application is being submitted – usually in Form AEO-T1 or AEO-T2, depending on the certification tier – they receive an acknowledgment number or application reference ID.
This unique number is essential for tracking the progress of the application. It is provided via email or can be viewed on the dashboard once you log in to the AEO India Portal.
Ensure you have saved this number securely. It serves as your tracking key.
To access the status, you must be a registered user on both:
Use your valid credentials – generally your IEC number (Import Export Code) and password – to log in.
Note: Only users who have registered successfully on the AEO Portal and have valid login credentials will be able to access real-time status updates.
If you have forgotten your password, use the ‘Forgot Password’ or ‘New Registration’ options available on the portals.
Once logged in to the AEO Portal:
Here, you will be prompted to enter either:
Upon entering the required details, click ‘Search’ or ‘Track’ to view the current progress of your AEO application.
The portal displays several possible status labels, each indicating the current stage of processing:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Under Review | Your application is being scrutinized by customs officials. |
| Clarification Sought | Additional documents or explanations are required. |
| Accepted | Initial acceptance by the concerned field formation. |
| Site Visit Scheduled | For T2 and higher tiers, physical verification is due. |
| Interview Pending | Interaction with applicant scheduled (mostly for T2 and T3 applicants). |
| Approved | Final certification granted. You will be assigned a unique AEO number. |
| Rejected | Application denied. Reasons will be provided, and reapplication is allowed. |
This transparency allows businesses to stay informed and take necessary actions to avoid delays.
If there is no update on your application for a long period, or you encounter any technical difficulties, it is advisable to reach out to the AEO Cell of CBIC for assistance. Email: aeo-cbic@gov.in
You may also contact the nominated officer at your jurisdictional customs office if you have been assigned one during the application process.
For entities applying under AEO-T2 or T3, the process includes a physical verification of premises and sometimes a formal interview with customs officials.
In such cases, the status will clearly indicate:
Tip: Always monitor your email inbox, SMS alerts, and portal messages to avoid missing any communication from Customs.
Once your application is approved, your firm is granted an AEO certificate and is assigned a unique AEO number. This number:
To verify:
Visit: https://www.cbic.gov.in
Navigate to: Home → Customs → Authorized Economic Operators → List of Approved AEOs
Here, you can search for your company name and confirm that your AEO status is officially published.
Final Words: Track Proactively, Respond Promptly
Tracking your AEO application is a straightforward process if you follow the steps mentioned above. Timely monitoring ensures:
As the AEO scheme offers numerous trade facilitation benefits like reduced examination, faster clearance, deferred duty payments, and mutual recognition in global trade, it is worth every effort to keep the application process on track.
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