What customs clearance covers
Customs clearance is the legal process of getting goods released by Indian Customs for export or import. It involves filing the right declaration, paying any duty, and passing assessment and, if selected, physical examination.
- Export clearance — Shipping Bill filing, Let Export Order, and coordination with the terminal for gate-in and loading.
- Import clearance — Bill of Entry filing, duty calculation and payment, out-of-charge, and delivery.
- Classification and valuation — correct HS codes and customs value, so you pay the right duty and avoid queries.
- Duty savings — exemption notifications and preferential duty under FTAs where your goods qualify.
- Examination support — our team attends examination and resolves queries with the officer.
Export clearance, step by step
- Check the invoice, packing list, IEC, AD code and GST/LUT details.
- File the Shipping Bill on ICEGATE with the correct HS codes and incentive declarations (RoDTEP, drawback).
- Cargo reaches the port or ICD; customs assesses and, if required, examines it.
- Let Export Order is issued and the container is loaded on the vessel.
- We track export incentives through to your ledger.
Import clearance, step by step
- Collect the bill of lading or airway bill, invoice, packing list and any licences.
- File the Bill of Entry — ideally before the cargo arrives, to save time and port charges.
- Assessment and duty payment online; examination if selected.
- Out-of-charge, delivery order from the shipping line and release from the terminal.
- Delivery to your factory or warehouse anywhere in Maharashtra.
Why cargo gets held — and how we prevent it
Most delays come from a handful of avoidable problems:
- Mismatched documents — invoice, packing list and bill of lading that don’t agree. We check them before filing.
- Wrong HS code — leads to queries, extra duty or penalties. We classify and keep a record for repeat shipments.
- Inactive IEC or unregistered AD code — blocks filing entirely. We verify both at the start.
- Missing certificates — phytosanitary, health, BIS or other product-specific approvals. We tell you what’s needed upfront.
Documents checklist
Have these ready for a smooth clearance. Product-specific approvals depend on what you are importing or exporting.
- DocumentWho provides it
- Commercial invoiceYou
- Packing listYou
- Bill of lading / airway billCarrier
- IECYou / we register
- GSTIN (and LUT for exports without IGST)You / we file
- AD code registration (exports)We register
- Certificate of origin (for FTA duty benefit)Exporter / we arrange
- Product licences or certificates (phyto, health, BIS, etc.)You / we arrange
- Insurance certificate (imports)You
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Shipping Bill and a Bill of Entry?
A Shipping Bill is the customs declaration for exports; a Bill of Entry is the declaration for imports. Both are filed electronically on ICEGATE by a licensed customs broker.
How long does customs clearance take?
When documents are complete and the cargo is not selected for examination, clearance can be quick — often within a working day of the cargo reaching the port. Examination, queries or missing documents add time, which is why we check everything before filing.
Can you file the Bill of Entry before my cargo arrives?
Yes. Advance filing is allowed and it usually reduces dwell time and port charges at Nhava Sheva.
How is import duty calculated?
Duty depends on the HS code, the assessable (customs) value and any exemptions or FTA preferences. We calculate an estimate before the cargo arrives so you can plan cash flow.
Do you clear cargo at ICDs near Pune and Nagpur?
Yes, as well as Nhava Sheva, Mumbai Port and Mumbai Air Cargo.