Registration of AEO LO Applicants Only through Online from 1 May 2023

· CBIC launches a New Version (V 3.0) for On-boarding of AEO-LO Applicants by Way of Online Filing, Real-Time Monitoring, and Digital Certification.

· It has been decided that till 30.04.2023, the AEO-LO applicants would be allowed to physically file AEO application without registering on the AEO portal as a transitional measure. However, from 01.05.2023, it will be mandatory for AEO-LO applicants to register on the portal for AEO certification

[Circular No. 10 /2023- Customs dated 11 April, 2023]

Subject: -Online filing of AEO-LO applications: Launch of Version 3.0 of web application for filing, real-time monitoring, and digital certification.

The AEO application processing for AEO-T2 and T3 on the web-based portal<www.aeoindia.gov.in» has been functional since July,2021. To take this endeavor for digitization forward, in line with the government's Digital India initiative, the Board has decided to launch a new version (V 3.0) for on-boarding of AEO-LO applicants by way of online filing, real-time monitoring, and digital certification.

2. This updated version of the existing web application <URL www. aeoindia.gov.in> will be made accessible for both applicants and the Customs officials from 11.04.2023.

3. The new version (V 3.0) of the web application is designed to ensure continuous, real-time, and digital monitoring of the physically filed AEO-LO applications for timely intervention and expedience. The AEO-LO applicants, on submission of the physical documents in the jurisdictional Principal Chief Commissioner/ Chief Commissioner's office (AEO Cell), shall register on AEO web application. On successful registration, the applicant shall upload the duly filled relevant annexures for their AEO-LO application.

4. Once the relevant annexures are uploaded by the applicant, the applicant will be able to monitor the processing of their application at each stage in real time on their dashboard. In addition, in case of any deficiency in the application, the same can be responded through online upload of required additional documents by the applicant on the web application itself.

5. A step-wise guide for filing of AEO-LO application by the applicant is available on the CBIC website under the "Indian AEO Programme" section at the following URL https://www cbic.gov.in/htdocs-cbec/home links/india-aeo-prgm. The guide is also available at aeoindia.gov.in under the "Download" section which can be used as a ready reckoner for help with V 3.0 of the web application and its functionalities. The step-wise guide for Customs officials shall be circulated over mail separately for internal circulation only.

6. To ensure smooth roll-out, it has been decided that till 30.04.2023, the AEO-LO applicants would be allowed to physically file AEO application without registering on the AEO portal as a transitional measure. However, from 01.05.2023, it will be mandatory for AEO-LO applicants to register on the portal for AEO certification. The AEO-LO application filed at the office of the jurisdictional Principal Chief Commissioner/ Chief Commissioner before 11.04.2023 are not required to be filed online and may continue to be processed manually, except where migration on web-application is requested by the existing AEO LO applicants, while ensuring that the AEO certification process is not delayed.

7. The Circular 33/2016-Customs dated 22-07-2016, as amended, stands suitably modified to this extent.

8. Wide publicity may be given to this Circular by issuance of Trade/Public Notice by the concerned field formations.

9. Difficulties, if any, in the implementation of this Circular may be brought to the notice of this office.

F.No.- DIC/POL/DIR/1/2020-POL-0/o Pr.COMMR-DIC-DELHI Part(1)