Regardless of the size of the company, anyone involved in the international supply chain who engages in Customs-related operations in India may apply for AEO status. Exporters, importers, logistic companies (e.g., carriers, airlines, freight forwarders), Custodians or Terminal Managers, Customs House Officers, and Warehouse Owners are all potential candidates. Port operators, approved couriers, and stevedores are among those who may be qualified. This is not an exhaustive list.

Small and medium-sized businesses that filed 25 documents in the previous fiscal year, either Bill of Entry or Shipping Bills, are also eligible for AEO.
The applicant must have been in service for at least three financial years prior to the application date.
For AEO certification business should have been conducted for at least 36 months
Certification is Categories under AEO scheme
AEO-T1- granted to applicant without physical inspection of places/premises, only an importer or exporter is allowed.

AEO-T2- only granted to an importer or exporter after a physical inspection of the premises/locations.
AEO-T3- Granted to Granted to an importer or exporter who has held the AEO-T2 certificate for at least two years prior to the date of submission, or an importer or exporter who has held the AEO-T2 certificate for at least two years, and its other business partners, namely importers or exporters, Logistics service providers, Custodians/Terminal operators, Customs Brokers, and Warehouse operators.

AEO-AL- granted to applicant after physical inspection of premises/places, granted to economic operators other than importers and exporters (e.g. Logistics Providers, Custodians or Terminal Operators, Customs Brokers, Warehouse Operators).