Indian AEO Programme Key Points About: AEO is a programme (2007) under the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards to secure and facilitate global trade. It aims to enhance international supply chain security and facilitate the movement of goods. Under this, an entity engaged in international trade is approved by WCO as compliant with supply chain security standards and granted AEO status. An entity with an AEO status is considered a ‘secure’ trader and a reliable trading partner. Benefits of AEO status include expedited clearance times, fewer examinations, improved security and communication between supply chain partners. AEO is a voluntary programme. Indian AEO Programme: The AEO Programme was introduced as a pilot project in 2011. The security standards detailed in WCO SAFE Framework are the basis of the Indian AEO programme. There is a three tier AEO Stat...