Sri Lanka Customs AEO Programme
Recognizing True Trade Partners
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme is the most prominent trade facilitation programme of Sri Lanka Customs, recognizing and facilitating the most compliant and secure operators of the supply chain.
Two Tiered Approach
The AEO programme of Sri Lanka Customs is structured as a two-tiered programme. Authorized Economic Operator Tier I(AEO Tier-I) is the first tier where the applicants have to demonstrate their operational compliance levels. After enjoying the AEO Tier-I status for at least two years, applicants can apply for the prestigious AEO Tier-II status where the supply chain security standards of the applicants are assessed.
Authorized Economic Operator Tier-I (AEO Tier-I)
Authorized Economic Operator(AEO Tier-I), status is awarded to Importers and Exporters who demonstrate higher levels of operational compliance in the areas of legal, finance & managing commercial records.
Authorized Economic Operator Tier-II (AEO Tier-II)
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO Tier-II) status is offered to Importers and Exporters who demonstrate higher level of operational compliance along with high levels of supply chain security standards.
Latest updates of the programme
eventAuthorized Economic Operator Tier-I Certificates Awarding Ceremony
31 Companies awarded with AEO Tier-I status.
Read Details
updateSri Lanka Customs Enhances AEO Programme to Foster Trade Efficiency
Sri Lanka Customs presented the improvements to their AEO Programme at a stakeholder engagement and consultation co-hosted by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the USAID / Partnership for Accelerating Results in Trade, National Expenditure and Revenue (PARTNER) Activity on 3rd January 2024 at Colombo.
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eventSL Customs conducts an AEO awareness session to BOI companies
SL Customs conduct an AEO awareness session to BOI companies
Read DetailsAEO Companies
Join the growing network of compliant and secure businesses recognized by Sri Lanka Customs.
How to apply for the AEO programme?
Commercially active registered Exporters, Importers in Sri Lanka who have completed business operations for a minimum of 3 years with satisfactory compliance records can apply for the programme. Sri Lanka Customs will evaluate your application thoroughly and grant the relevant status if the specified requirements are met.
AEO Pathway
Application Journey
Select a stage to see what happens during the certification process.
Current Stage
Download the Operational Guide
Read through the Operational Guide
Next: Check your Eligibility
Why should you be a part of the AEO programme of Sri Lanka Customs?
Authorized Economic Operator Programme of Sri Lanka Customs offers a wide range of benefits to its qualified status holders ranging from expedited channels in Customs clearance procedures to international recognition via Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with other countries.
Expedited channels for Customs Processes
Expedited channels for document processing, dispute resolutions, advanced rulings, appeals processing etc.
Exempting cargo from physical examinations
Maximum of 65% exemption for AEO Tier-I and 100% exemption for AEO Tier-II (subjected to approximately 5% of maximum random examination).
Priority in cargo examination yards
Prioritized physical examinations at the cargo examination yards & separate space earmarked in LCL warehouses, state/public bonds. Additionally, on-site physical examinations and 24*7 clearing could be facilitated based on special requests made by the respective operators.
Thoughts of our stakeholders
A glimpse of what our stakeholders expect from the AEO programme
As the government authority which controls the movement of goods across Sri Lankan borders; we see this programme as a wonderful opportunity to create a hazzel free business environment to our legitimate trading community. Apply for the programme and show us your competency. As SL Customs we promise that we will provide you with the maximum benefits that we can offer for such companies.
Mr. P.B.S.C. Nonis
Former Director General of Customs
We are committed to recognize the legitimate trade and the AEO status in that sense is the highest recognition on offer. If you are a stakeholder of Customs who is involved in the import-export trade and operate as a true trade partner contributing towards nation-building, you are the one we are looking for. Nothing else than compliance in vital areas and trust will matter.
Mr. Sudath De Silva
Former Director of Customs
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to partner with Sri Lanka Customs to launch the CEO/AEO programme. Obtaining CEO/AEO status requires the demonstration of high legal and operational compliance and maintaining a high level of supply chain security. The CCC extends its fullest support to Sri Lanka Customs by training the private sector companies to fulfill the eligibility criteria necessary to join the programme.
Mr. Vish Govindasamy
Chairman
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
The AEO status has been adopted worldwide as a proven method of certifying trustworthy traders and enhancing the quality of facilitation. Thus, as an organization that espouses the spirit of collaboration and partnership, CILT Sri Lanka urges the logistics and supply chain sector of Sri Lanka to work closely with Sri Lanka Customs to create a holistic trade environment that would be transparent, fair, and value-adding.
Mr. Channaka De Alwis
President CILT Sri Lanka
AEO Committee
The AEO Committee is the sole decision-making authority of Sri Lanka Customs that handles all the policy matters regarding the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme. The AEO Committee consists of 11 members appointed by the Director-General of Customs under the Departmental Order 1530 of 27.09.2021. The AEO committee is the final decision-making authority in awarding, rejecting, suspending, revoking the AEO status.
Mr. Wimal S. K. Liyanagama
Chairman - Director General of Customs
Mr. A.W.S.I. Silva
Additional Director General of Customs
Mr. C.S.A. Chandrasekara
Additional Director General of Customs
Mr. D.A.T.R. Warnakulasooriya
Director of Customs
Mr. K.U.D. Senaratne
Director of Customs
Mr. A.A.D.C. Shanthapriya
Director of Customs
Mr. P.M.D. Udayakantha
Director of Customs
Mr. W.R.P. Wickramaratne
Director of Customs
Mr. R.N.C. Weerasinghe
Senior Deputy Director of Customs
Mr. M.A.M. Nazir
Director of Customs
Mr. H.M.C.K. Herath
Director of Customs
Mr. M.W.R. Thisera
Director of Customs
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the AEO Programme.