AIIEA-JNCH Programme Boosts Awareness on EMI and AEO Benefits

posted by Niilesh waghela

Mumbai, July 4: In a significant step towards strengthening India's trade facilitation ecosystem, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) Outreach Programme concluded successfully in Mumbai, bringing together senior Customs officials, industry leaders, importers, exporters, customs brokers and logistics professionals on a common platform.

The programme was jointly organised by the Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House (JNCH), Mumbai Customs Zone-II, and the All India Importers and Exporters Association (AIIEA) at Walchand Hirachand Hall, IMC Building. The initiative aimed to increase awareness about the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) Scheme and its integration with the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, both of which are designed to make cross-border trade faster, more transparent and globally competitive.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of the import-export fraternity, who gained practical insights into how the EMI and AEO schemes can help businesses reduce customs clearance time, improve supply chain efficiency, minimise compliance-related delays and optimise working capital management.

AIIEA planned, managed and funded the entire programme, underscoring the Association's continued commitment to empowering the trade community through knowledge-sharing initiatives and close collaboration with government authorities.

The event featured an eminent panel of speakers from the Customs department and the trade industry. Shri Ravneet Singh Khurana, Commissioner of Customs, Nhava Sheva-II, Mumbai Customs Zone-II, attended as the Chief Guest and addressed participants on the policy framework, implementation process and long-term benefits of the EMI and AEO programmes. His address provided clarity on several regulatory aspects while encouraging businesses to leverage these initiatives for smoother international trade.

Shri Shubh Agarwal, Joint Commissioner, Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House, along with other senior Customs officers, delivered detailed presentations explaining operational procedures, eligibility criteria and the practical advantages available under the schemes.

Adding a national perspective to the discussions, a senior officer from the Directorate of International Customs, New Delhi, joined the programme virtually and delivered a special presentation highlighting the strategic importance of the EMI-AEO framework in strengthening India's global trade competitiveness.

The programme was hosted by Mr. Jayyannt L. Lapsiaa, President of the All India Liquid Bulk Importers & Exporters Association, while Mr. Pankaj Vora, President of AIIEA, emphasised the Association's vision of creating greater awareness among traders and facilitating informed compliance with evolving customs regulations. Mr. Timothy Bochu, Vice President of AIIEA, also reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to keeping members updated on policy changes and trade facilitation measures.

One of the highlights of the event was the interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants raised practical concerns related to customs procedures, documentation, compliance requirements and implementation challenges. The queries were comprehensively addressed by Commissioner Ravneet Singh Khurana and other senior Customs officials, making the session highly informative and valuable for businesses engaged in international trade.

Participants appreciated the accessibility of senior government officials and the practical guidance offered during the discussions. Many attendees described the programme as a useful platform for bridging the gap between policymakers and the trade community while enhancing awareness of reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.

The event concluded with a networking lunch hosted by AIIEA, providing participants an opportunity to engage informally with Customs officials and fellow industry professionals.

With initiatives such as this outreach programme, AIIEA continues to play a proactive role in promoting informed compliance, encouraging constructive dialogue between government and industry, and supporting India's vision of building a more efficient, technology-driven and globally competitive international trade ecosystem.