Import clearance in India is a defined sequence with defined clocks running against it. Knowing where your consignment sits in that sequence tells you whether a delay is normal, or whether it is quietly accruing demurrage. Here is the process as our customs team runs it.
Step 1 — Arrival manifest
The carrier files the Import General Manifest (IGM) on ICEGATE before the vessel or aircraft arrives. Every line of cargo receives an IGM number and line number, and nothing can be declared against a consignment until it appears on the manifest. Errors here — wrong consignee, wrong package count — must be amended by the carrier, not the importer, and amendments take time.
Step 2 — Filing the bill of entry
The importer or its customs broker files a bill of entry electronically, declaring the classification, valuation, country of origin and any exemption or preferential claim. It can be filed in advance of arrival, and prior filing is usually the single most effective way to compress total clearance time. Late filing attracts a charge, so the discipline of getting documents from the supplier early has a direct cost consequence.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill, plus the delivery order from the carrier or agent
- Certificate of origin, including preferential certificates where an FTA benefit is claimed
- Import licence or NOC where the item is restricted or regulated (FSSAI, WPC, BIS, drug controller and similar)
- Insurance certificate and any technical literature needed to support classification
Step 3 — Assessment and risk management
The Risk Management System decides the treatment. Facilitated consignments move to duty payment with no assessment or examination. Others are marked for assessment, examination, or both. Where the declared value is questioned, the officer may seek supporting evidence, and a provisional assessment against a bond may be used while the point is resolved.
Step 4 — Duty payment
Duty is paid electronically on ICEGATE and typically comprises basic customs duty, social welfare surcharge and IGST, plus anti-dumping or safeguard duty where applicable. IGST paid at import is normally available as input tax credit, which materially changes the landed cost calculation for a GST-registered importer.
Step 5 — Examination and out of charge
If the consignment was selected for examination, customs verifies the goods against the declaration at the port, CFS or ICD. When everything matches, the officer grants out of charge. The gate pass is then issued and the container or cargo can be moved out for delivery.
The two clocks: demurrage and detention
| Charge | Levied by | Runs on | Stops when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demurrage | Port or CFS | Cargo occupying the terminal beyond free days | Cargo leaves the terminal |
| Detention | Shipping line | Use of the line's container beyond free days | Empty container is returned to the nominated depot |
Free days are negotiable at booking and almost impossible to negotiate after arrival. For any consignment likely to face licensing checks or examination, ask for extended free time before the container sails.
Frequently asked questions
How long does import clearance take in India?
A facilitated consignment with documents in order and duty pre-arranged can clear within a day or two of arrival. Assessment queries, examination or a missing regulatory NOC can extend that to a week or more.
Can I file the bill of entry before the ship arrives?
Yes, and you should. Prior entry lets assessment and duty payment happen before arrival so the container can move out soon after discharge, which reduces demurrage exposure.
What is the difference between a CFS and an ICD?
A container freight station is a facility near a port used for stuffing, de-stuffing and customs processing. An inland container depot is a dry port in the hinterland where customs clearance can be completed away from the seaport.
Need this handled for a live shipment?
Our team in Chennai handles freight, customs and documentation end to end. Send us the details and we will come back with routing and a rate.
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