Review of entity based facilitation programmes viz. Accredited Client Programme (ACP) and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme - Revised Guidelines - Customs - PUBLIC NOTICE No. 24/2016

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS NEW CUSTOMS HOUSE, PANAMBUR, MANGALORU 10 C.No.S-21/04/2016 CH (ACP) Date: 10.08.2016 PUBLIC NOTICE No. 24/2016 Sub: - Review of entity based facilitation programmes viz. Accredited Client Programme (ACP) and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme - Revised Guidelines Attention of the importers, exporters, Customs Brokers and other member of the Trade and industry is invited to the Board s Circular No. 33/2016-Customs dated 22.07.2016 on the above mentioned subject issued in supercession of Board Circulars No.42/2005 dated 24.11.2005 regarding the ACP scheme and No.28/2012-Customs dated 16.11.2012 regarding AEO programme. 2. In this connection, the Board has decided to merge both the said facilitations into a combined three-tier AEO programme and to enhance 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 Central Board of Excise and Customs. 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 3. The revised AEO Programme communicated vide Board s Circular no. 33/2016 Customs dated 22.07.2016 is appended to this Public Notice. 4. All the entities certified under AEO Programme pursuant to Circular No. 37/2011- Cus., dated 23.08.2011 and No. 28/2012-Customs dated 16.11.2012 would now be accorded the status of AEO-T2 or AEO-LO, as the case may be, and shall be entitled to benefits as per the Board circular no. 33/2016-Customs dated 22.07.2016 subject to their adherence to the prescribed standards and guidelines issued in this regard. 5. The entities accorded the ACP status pursuant to Circular No. 42/2005 dated 24.11.2005 are being granted one time opportunity for transition to the AEO status in terms of this circular. They are required to submit their applications in terms of the Board circular within 90 days. In the meantime, they are being provisionally granted the status of AEO-T1 till a decision is taken on their application. 6 Difficulties faced, if any, may be brought to the notice of the undersigned immediately. (Dr .M. SUBRAMANYAM) COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS