In the context of 'Clear first, Pay later' concept evolved under the customs law, state the objectives of the concept and the persons who are eligible to avail this facility.

'Clear first, Pay later' concept under custom laws (A) Objectives (i) 'Clear first, pay later' is a mechanism facilitating deferred payment of customs duty. (ii) It is a mechanism which delinks duty payment and customs clearance. (iii) The aim is to have a seamless wharf to warehouse transit in order to facilitate just-in-time manufacturing. This scheme is in force w.e.f. 16th November, 2016. (iv) It is a trade facilitation move wherein benefits are extended to the entities who have demonstrated strong internal control systems and willingness to comply with the laws administered by the CBEC. Eligible Persons (i) Central Government has permitted importers certified under Authorized Economic Operator programme as AEO (Tier-Two) and AEO (Tier-Three) being eligible importers to make deferred payment of import duty under the clear first, pay later mechanism. (ii) The CBEC has rolled out the AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) programme, as a part of ease of doing business focus of Government of India.