Chennai: “AEO certification is one of the flagship programmes of Indian Customs which gives you (exporters and traders) a level-playing field with overseas competitors,” said Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs – Chennai Zone, M Ajit Kumar.
He said the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) is seen as a certificate of trustworthiness and the entire programme from application through granting is free.
Ajit Kumar was speaking at an event organised by Kerry Indev Logistics, in association with AEO Cell – Chennai Customs Zone. A presentation on the benefits and importance of obtaining AEO certification also took place at the event.
AEO certification is an internationally recognised quality mark, through which national customs administrations approve stakeholders in the global supply chain such as importers, exporters, logistics providers and warehouse operators.
In India, AEO is a voluntary accreditation that brings benefits such as customs simplification and priority treatment. Some of the benefits include a 15-day advantage on duties payment and a new system which is almost fully automated.
The session featured a range of expert speakers who covered various aspects of imports, exports, duties and trade in the Indian and global contexts.
Chairman of Kerry Indev Logistics, S Xavier Britto, said, “The AEO concept itself is in line with our Prime Minister’s vision of Digital India and increases the ease of doing business in India. When you become an AEO operator you will come to know that all the benefits you receive are the mother of reforms and of all the schemes available in our trade.”