India Customs Issuing New Manifest Requirements

India Customs is updating regulations for filing sea cargo manifests for imports, exports and transshipments, requiring traders and shippers to adhere to new “defined timelines,” according to an alert by C.H. Robinson. The changes will take effect Aug. 1.

India will require all importers to submit their manifest details to Indian customs before the ship leaves its last port of call, the alert said, and exporters will need to submit manifest documents before the vessel leaves the Indian port. The manifest details include a six-digit Harmonized System (HS) code, the value of the cargo, the standard three-letter international currency code of the cargo value, the Import Export Code of Consignee, and the permanent account number (PAN) of the notifying party, if the party is from India, the alert said. If traders do not follow the new regulations, their cargo may not be processed or their original bill of lading issuance may be “held back,” the alert said.