CBIC reports: India actively pursuing customs mutual recognition agreements with nations

India is actively signing mutual recognition agreements with the customs authorities of seven nations and is discussing and negotiating for more such pacts with other countries.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and the Federal Customs Service, Russia, have signed the AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) MRA to provide mutual benefits to trusted exporters of both signatories during goods clearance by the customs authorities of the importing country.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Federal Customs Service of Russia have signed an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Mutual Recognition Agreement. This agreement is a significant trade facilitation boost for Indian importers and exporters. The CBIC Chairman, Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, stated in a communication to field formation that this is the 7th MRA signed by Indian Customs, and active negotiations are underway with many other Customs administrations.

The AEO programme allows the Customs administration to recognize safe and compliant exporters and importers and provide them with the best facilitation. AEO MRA is already in place for 7 countries, including Korea, UAE, Hong Kong and Taiwan.