15/05/2026
Your goods have arrived at the port. Now what? Here is the complete customs clearance flow in India in 2026:
๐ Step 1: Filing
Import: File Bill of Entry on ICEGATE
Export: File Shipping Bill on ICEGATE
โฐ Best practice: Advance filing 30 days before vessel arrival (saves significant time)
๐ Step 2: Assessment
Customs officers review your declaration electronically. Most assessments are now "Faceless" โ no counter visits needed.
โ
Step 3: Examination (if required)
~20% of shipments are selected for physical examination. Risk-based selection via the Integrated Risk Management System.
๐ฐ Step 4: Duty Payment
Pay via ICEGATE's e-payment portal. Basic Customs Duty + IGST + any applicable cess.
๐ฆ Step 5: Out of Customs (OOC) Order
Your goods are released. Port/CFS issues a delivery order.
๐ Step 6: Port/CFS Delivery
Cargo moves from port to your warehouse or directly to buyer.
โ ๏ธ Top reasons for delays:
โ Wrong HS code (most common)
โ Invoice-packing list mismatch
โ Missing FSSAI/BIS/DGFT licenses
โ Incorrect country of origin documentation
๐ก Safewater Lines customs team covers JNPT, Mundra, Chennai, Cochin, Vizag, Kolkata and more. Fastest clearance in our network: under 6 hours.
Questions about your next import? DM us. ๐ www.swl.in
(Customs Clearance, ICEGATE, Import India, Bill Of Entry, Trade Compliance, Safewater Lines,
Freight Forwarding, Logistics India)