India's #1 Compliance Partner

AEO T1 Certification

AEO T1 Certification is the entry-level tier of India's Authorised Economic Operator programme, run by the CBIC, that recognises an...

Free Consultation

25,000+

Clients

200+

Certifications

25+

Years

Pan-India

Presence

Get expert consultation

Trusted by 25,000+ leading enterprises worldwide

Key takeaways

AEO T1 is the first tier of the Authorised Economic Operator programme administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
It is granted under Circular No. 33/2016-Customs and subsequent CBIC circulars, in line with the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards.
It is open to importers and exporters who have handled a minimum number of Customs documents in the preceding financial year.
Applications are filed online on the AEO web portal (aeoindia.gov.in) using the prescribed Annexures.
AEO T1 status brings faster clearances, reduced examinations and deferred-duty facilities.
The certificate is valid for three years and is renewable on continued compliance.

Overview

What is AEO T1 Certification?

AEO T1 Certification is the entry-level tier of India’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, a voluntary trusted-trader scheme operated by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). It certifies that an entity involved in the international movement of goods maintains sound Customs compliance, secure premises and reliable record-keeping.

The programme is built on the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework of Standards and aims to secure the global supply chain while easing the flow of legitimate trade. India’s AEO scheme has three tiers for importers and exporters - T1, T2 and T3 - with T1 being the foundation and the quickest to obtain.

The AEO programme at a glance

AEO-T1, T2 and T3 for importers and exporters
AEO-LO for logistics operators, custodians, customs brokers and warehouse keepers
Built on the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards
Voluntary and open to businesses of all sizes
Administered by CBIC through the AEO Programme Team

Tiers

Where T1 sits in the AEO scheme

AEO status is tiered. T1 is the foundation tier with lighter documentation and a faster review, while T2 and T3 unlock greater benefits in return for deeper verification and a longer compliance track record.

Tier	Who it suits
AEO-T1	Importers and exporters seeking entry-level trusted-trader status with a quick, document-based review.
AEO-T2	Entities ready for an on-site verification in exchange for higher benefits and facilitation.
AEO-T3	Established T2 holders with a strong compliance history seeking the highest level of facilitation.

Feature	AEO-T1
Verification	Documentary review; no mandatory physical site visit
Validity	Three years
Processing time	Targeted within a few months of a complete application
Bank guarantee	Reduced furnishing requirement

Eligibility

Who can apply for AEO T1

AEO-T1 is open to any business that is a part of the international supply chain and is involved in Customs-related activity in India. The applicant must have a Customs presence and a clean compliance record.

Established in India and involved in Customs-related work
Importers and exporters with a valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)
Handled a minimum number of Customs documents (Bills of Entry or Shipping Bills) in the preceding financial year
At least three financial years of business activity (relaxable in deserving cases)
No major Customs, GST or other regulatory offence in the recent period
Sound financial standing and solvency

Why it matters

Benefits of AEO T1 status

Faster clearances

Higher facilitation levels mean quicker processing of Bills of Entry and Shipping Bills.

Fewer examinations

A reduced rate of physical examination and document checks at Customs.

Deferred duty

Eligibility for the deferred-payment-of-duty facility, easing working-capital pressure.

Lower bank guarantee

A reduced bank-guarantee requirement for Customs purposes.

Dedicated support

Access to a Client Relationship Manager as a single point of contact with Customs.

Global recognition

Standing under Mutual Recognition Arrangements with partner countries’ AEO programmes.

How it works

The application process, step by step

The AEO-T1 application is filed online on the AEO India web portal. The review for T1 is largely documentary, which is what makes it the fastest tier to obtain.

Prepare and apply

Assess readiness
Review your Customs history, document volumes and compliance record against the AEO-T1 criteria.
Compile annexures
Complete the prescribed application form along with the security, compliance and solvency annexures.
File online
Submit the application and supporting documents on the AEO web portal to the AEO Programme Manager.

Review and grant

Scrutiny
The AEO Programme Team examines the application and may raise queries for clarification.
Verification
Compliance, safety, security and record-keeping declarations are verified, generally without a mandatory site visit.
Grant of status
On satisfaction, the AEO-T1 certificate is issued and the entity is enrolled as a trusted trader.

Paperwork

Documents required

Completed AEO-T1 application form
Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) and GST registration details
Security plan covering premises, cargo, conveyance and personnel
Process map of the business and supply-chain activities
Site plan of premises and warehouses
Self-assessment of compliance, safety and security (the prescribed annexures)
Financial-solvency declaration certified by a statutory auditor or chartered accountant
Details of Customs documents filed in the preceding financial year

Lifecycle

Validity & renewal

The AEO-T1 certificate is valid for three years from the date of grant.
Renewal must be sought before expiry to keep the benefits uninterrupted.
The holder must continue to meet the compliance, safety and security conditions throughout.
Status may be suspended or withdrawn for non-compliance or a serious offence.
Holders can later upgrade to AEO-T2 for higher benefits.

Working on imports and exports? See our SAFTA Certificate, LMPC Import Licence and NOC for Steel Importers services.

Conditions

Compliance you must maintain

AEO status is a continuing commitment, not a one-time approval. To keep your T1 certificate in good standing, you are expected to sustain the standards on which it was granted.

A satisfactory record of Customs and tax compliance
Accurate, traceable accounting and Customs records
Demonstrated financial solvency
Documented procedures for cargo, premises and personnel security
A nominated point of contact for the AEO programme
Prompt reporting of any material change in business circumstances

Not sure if you qualify for AEO-T1?

Share your IEC, trade volumes and compliance history, and we will confirm your eligibility and map the documents and timeline for your application.

Get a free assessment

Why Diligence Certifications

How we help you get certified

Eligibility check

We assess your Customs history and document volumes against the AEO-T1 criteria before you apply.

Annexure drafting

We prepare the security, compliance and solvency annexures accurately and completely.

Security mapping

We help document your premises, cargo and personnel security in the format Customs expects.

Portal filing

We file and track your application on the AEO web portal and respond to queries.

Query handling

We liaise with the AEO Programme Team to resolve clarifications quickly.

Upgrade roadmap

We chart your path from T1 to T2 and beyond as your compliance record matures.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is AEO T1 Certification?

AEO T1 is the entry-level tier of India’s Authorised Economic Operator programme, run by the CBIC. It certifies an importer or exporter as a trusted, secure and Customs-compliant part of the international supply chain, unlocking faster clearances and other trade-facilitation benefits.

Who issues AEO certification in India?

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) administers the AEO programme through its AEO Programme Team, under the relevant Customs circulars and the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards.

What is the difference between AEO-T1, T2 and T3?

T1 is the foundation tier with a quick, documentary review and lighter requirements. T2 involves on-site verification and offers higher benefits, while T3 is the highest tier for established T2 holders with a strong compliance history.

How long is AEO-T1 status valid?

An AEO-T1 certificate is valid for three years from the date it is granted and can be renewed, provided the entity continues to meet the compliance, safety and security conditions.

Is a physical site inspection required for AEO-T1?

The AEO-T1 review is largely documentary and generally does not involve a mandatory physical site visit, which is why it is the fastest tier to obtain. Site verification is more closely associated with the T2 and T3 tiers.

Can a business upgrade from AEO-T1 to a higher tier?

Yes. An AEO-T1 holder that builds a sustained compliance record can apply to upgrade to AEO-T2 and later AEO-T3 to access greater trade-facilitation benefits.

25,000+

Clients served

200+

Certifications

100+

Experts

25+

Years

Why Diligence

Why choose Diligence Certification?

For compliance and credibility, Diligence is much more than a checklist - we give you real confidence in your business. We examine your legal, financial and operational status, so you are not just certified, but trusted.

Stronger risk protection

Spot hidden legal, financial or operational risks early - fix problems before they become threats.

Earn stakeholder trust

From investors to customers, people want to work with businesses that play by the rules.

Stay legally aligned

Compliant not just on products but on labour, environmental and tax laws too.

Enhance brand reputation

Show the world you operate with integrity and transparency.

Stand out from competitors

In a crowded market, credibility is your biggest edge.

24×7 expert support

A 100+ strong service team guiding you at every step, free first consultation.

Real sites, real certifications

Our teams work inside factories and plants across India and abroad - inspections, audits and certification milestones spanning BIS, global schemes and the full compliance stack you see on this site.