Review of entity based facilitation programmes viz. Accredited Client Programme (ACP) and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme Revised Guidelines - Customs - Trade Notice No. 04/ICE/Jal/2016

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER CENTRAL EXCISE COMMISSIONERATE, JALANDHAR HEADQUARTER - F- BLOCK, RISHI NAGAR, LUDHIANA F. No. IV(16) Hqrs/Tech/Jal/AEO/20/16 /625-32 Dated: 22-09-2016 Trade Notice No. 04/ICE/Jal/2016 Subject: Review of entity based facilitation programmes viz. Accredited Client Programme (ACP) and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme Revised Guidelines-Reg. 1. Attention of the Importers / Exporters, manufacturers / assessees and all members of the trade and industry is invited to the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) Circular No. 33/2016 -Customs dated 22.07.2016 on the above subject. This Circular is available on the website www.cbec.gov.in under tab Customs and tab Circulars and may be seen for details. 2. The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBECY) has decided to merge the two facilitation schemes namely Accredited Client Programme (ACP) and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme into a combined three-tier AEO programme, and also enhanced the scope of these programmes so as to provide further benefits to the entities who have demonstrated strong internal control system and willingness to comply with the laws administered by the CBEC. 3. The prominent features of the new programme are: i. Inclusion of Direct Port Delivery of imports to ensure just-in-time inventory management by manufacturers - clearance from wharf to warehouse ii. Inclusion of Direct Port Entry for factory stuffed containers meant for export by AEOs iii. Special focus on small and medium scale entities - any entity handling 25 import or export documents annually can become part of this programme iv. Provision of Deferred Payment of duties - delinking duty payment and Customs clearance v. Mutual Recognition Agreements with other Customs Administrations vi. Faster disbursal of drawback amount vii. Fast tracking of refunds and adjudications viii. Extension of facilitation to exports in addition to imports ix. Self-certified copies of FTA / PTA origin related or any other certificates required for clearance would be accepted x. Request based on-site inspection /examination xi. Paperless declarations with no supporting documents xii. Recognition by Partner Government Agencies and other Stakeholders as part of this programme 4. The revised AEO Programme is appended to the CBEC Circular No. 33/2016-Cus dated 22/07/2016. 5. Trade may like to avail the benefits being provided under the revamped AEO programme to avail facilities as per entitlement. 6. Associations of Trade Industry are requested to bring this circular / trade notice to the notice of their constituents. (Naresh Penumaka) Commissioner