Efficient flow of goods from one foreign border to another is on the priority list of importers and exporters of this age of globalised trade. To facilitate and faster customs clearance, the World Customs Organization implement and Indian Customs launched the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme under CBIC. Such companies qualifying under this arrangement are awarded AEO status, a bundle of enormous benefits such as less scrutiny, rapid clearance, and mutual recognition by foreign customs officials.
Once an enterprise has submitted the application for AEO registration, the next vital step is to check the application periodically and confirm the status of AEO at present. Below is a step-by-step procedure on how to check your AEO registration application on the official portal and keep yourself updated regarding your AEO certification procedure.
What is AEO?
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme functions on the lines of World Customs Organization's SAFE Framework of Standards for enabling safer and easier international trade. Indian AEO scheme is managed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and is designed to enhance global supply chain security and promote ease of doing business.
AEO accreditation is provided to businesses that demonstrate solid observance of customs legislation, proper records keeping, solvency in finances, and safe cargo handling systems.
- AEO-T1
- AEO-T2
- AEO-T3
- AEO-LO (Logistics Operators)
All have their own eligibility criteria and benefits.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Track AEO Registration and AEO Status
After you have completed filling the AEO registration application, you should track the status periodically so as not to be delayed or lose touch with the AEO cell. The below-mentioned steps are how you can obtain the status of your AEO application through the official AEO portal.
Step 1: Visit Official AEO Portal
To begin to verify your AEO registration, you have to go to the web portal that has been set up by the Indian Customs department.
- Open the web browser of your choice and go to: https://aeoindia.gov.in/
- This is the official CBIC AEO Portal for AEO registration control, paperwork, and status tracking.
When you are on the home page of AEO:
- Click on the 'Login' link visible at top-right corner of the page.
- Type in your signup Username and Password.
In case you had forgotten your password, you can get back your inputted login details through the Forgot Password option.
Step 3: Access Dashboard
Your customized dashboard will be displayed after inputting correct login credentials.
- Your AEO registration profile information, uploaded documents, work pending, and application status are all saved in this dashboard.
- It gives the status of your application at any time and any communication from the AEO cell.
Step 4: Choose the Suitable AEO Category
According to the category under which the application has been made, choose the following:
- AEO-T1 (Authorised Economic Operator - Tier 1)
- AEO-T2 (Authorised Economic Operator - Tier 2)
- AEO-T3 (Authorised Economic Operator - Tier 3)
- AEO-LO (AEO Logistics Operators)
Selecting the right category is crucial since various sections contain analogous data, status, and uploads of documents related to that particular application.
Step 5: Scroll to "Current Application Status"
When on the respective category page:
- Scroll to the bottom of the page.
- You would notice a section titled "Current Application Status."
- It is the current status of your AEO application — including:
- Submitted
- Under Process
- Additional Documents Requested/Deficiency
- Site Visit Scheduled/Physical Verification Scheduled
- Approved
- Rejected
- Submitted
This center enables applicants to remain updated about the precise stage of processing of their AEO registration application.
Importance of AEO Status Tracking
Your AEO status tracking is significant because of the following reasons:
- Prevention of delays: Early response in case the AEO Cell requires more information or clarification prevents unnecessary delays.
- Tracking of Compliance: Being knowledgeable about the status of your application stops you from missing deadlines for response.
- Business Planning: It facilitates planning for operational modifications on approval, i.e., expeditious clearance or more stringent compliance terms.
- Record Keeping: Keeping the status record at regular intervals aids in internal audit and making it available to the top management.
Problems Experienced While Tracking AEO Status
The users occasionally experience some minor technical problems while keeping their AEO application status under observation. These are:
- Wrong login details: Be sure to use the same password and username that was used while registering into AEO.
- Timed-out session or inactive session: If the session timed-out, it could be that the portal timed out your session. Re-load and re-log.
- Browser compatibility: Use recent browsers such as Chrome or Firefox so as to deliver best result of the portal.
If you continue to experience issues, one can go to the respective AEO cell of your Customs Commissionerate for help.
Conclusion:
Tracking your AEO registration application and your Authorised Economic Operator Status is the most important function of being a reliable global business partner. The AEO portal of the CBIC is a simple and quick way of monitoring your application status.
By regular login and monitoring the current status of the application, the applicants can remain responsive to the need for compliance and most ready to take advantage of benefits associated with AEO certification.
Whether you are an AEO-T1, AEO-T2, AEO-T3, or AEO-LO supporter, staying current on your AEO status puts you ahead in acquiring an improved, more consistent, and compliant supply chain process.