AEO, ISO & Organic (NPOP) Certification Support

Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)

The AEO programme is based on the World Customs Organization’s SAFE framework. It gives businesses that meet higher supply-chain security standards faster and simpler Customs procedures. India launched its AEO programme in 2011; it was later combined with the earlier Accredited Clients Programme (ACP) into a single revised AEO programme.

Importers and exporters can apply for the three tiers AEO-T1, T2 and T3; other operators such as logistics providers, custodians and customs brokers apply for AEO-LO.

Depending on the tier, benefits notified by CBIC can include faster clearance and priority processing, Direct Port Delivery, reduced bank guarantees and deferred duty payment for higher tiers, a dedicated Client Relationship Manager, and recognition under Mutual Recognition Agreements with other customs administrations. The exact benefits for each tier are set out in CBIC’s AEO circulars.

How we help: we help you assess eligibility, prepare the AEO application and supporting documents, and coordinate with Customs during the review. Whether AEO status is granted is decided solely by Customs (CBIC).

ISO certification

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental body that publishes international standards. ISO does not issue certificates itself. Certification is done by independent certification bodies, preferably ones accredited by a recognised accreditation body (in India, NABCB).

• Meets buyer and audit requirements
• Often required or preferred in tenders
• Better processes and customer confidence

We help you prepare for certification to ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), ISO 22000 (food safety) and other standards, and coordinate the audit with a certification body of your choice.

Organic certification (NPOP)

The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is the Government of India’s organic certification programme for exports. It is run by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through APEDA and is notified under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. Certified products can use the India Organic logo.

M. S. Advisory Services is not a certification body. We help farms, farmer groups, processors and exporters prepare documentation for NPOP certification and coordinate with an APEDA-accredited certification body of your choice, which carries out the inspection and issues the certificate.

Where you need more than one certification (for example, organic and ISO 22000), we help you plan the documentation so audits can be scheduled together where the certification body allows it.