New Delhi, Sept. 17 -- The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is considering measures to simplify and speed up processing under India's Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, including a uniform procedure across customs zones, time-bound processing and a single-deficiency approach for applicants.

The proposals emerged from discussions at the annual Customs Consultative Group meeting in Kolkata and representations from trade, the Finance Ministry said on Wednesday, ANI reported.

Unified Procedure, Clearer Compliance

The proposed reforms include a common Standard Operating Procedure for AEO applications across zones, a clear checklist for applicants and Zonal AEO Programme Managers, and sharing deficiency communica...