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

India is actively pursuing customs mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with various nations, having already signed such agreements with seven countries, according to a top official. This month, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and Russia’s Federal Customs Service signed an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) MRA, which offers reciprocal benefits to accredited and trusted exporters, facilitating smoother clearance of goods by the importing country’s customs authorities.

CBIC Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal announced, “The CBIC and the Federal Customs Service, Russia, have signed the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Mutual Recognition Agreement, marking a significant trade facilitation boost for Indian importers and exporters. This is the seventh MRA signed by Indian Customs, and we are actively negotiating similar agreements with many other customs administrations.”

The AEO program allows Customs administrations to identify safe and compliant exporters and importers, providing them with enhanced facilitation. India already has AEO MRAs in place with seven countries, including Korea, the UAE, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.