Sea Import Custom Clearance
Container, breakbulk and project cargo imports
Advance BoE filing for green-channel facilitation, CFS coordination, duty optimization, multi-modal post-clearance delivery.
Sea imports are India's import lifeline — over 60% of country's imports by value arrive as container or breakbulk cargo through JNPT, Mundra, Kandla, Pipavav, Chennai, and the inland ICDs. WCL files Advance Bill of Entry before the vessel berths so cargo can move on first-mile pickup the moment it's destuffed at the CFS.
We handle FCL imports (20'/40'/40HC), LCL imports (consolidated cargo), and project / breakbulk imports (over-dimensional, heavy machinery, raw materials). Full scope: Advance BoE, BCD/IGST/cess computation, ADD/CVD assessment, FTA preferential origin verification, post-clearance container delivery to your warehouse or bonded facility.
Particular expertise in MOOWR bonded warehousing (duty deferral on capital goods), FTWZ re-export imports (no duty on cargo destined for re-export), and SVB cases (related-party valuation defence). Our DGFT desk handles the post-clearance compliance for cargo imported under Advance Authorisation, EPCG, or Project Import Regulations (9801).
Everything we cover for Sea Import
Our process — step by step
Pre-arrival document collection
BL, commercial invoice, packing list, country-of-origin / FTA preferential origin cert, product-specific licences (BIS/CDSCO/WPC/FSSAI). All uploaded to e-Sanchit before berthing.
Advance BoE filing
BoE filed on ICEGATE 2.0 while the vessel is still in transit. Duty computed and shared with you for advance payment authorisation.
Vessel berthing & destuffing
Container destuffed at CFS post-berthing. AEO-aligned cargo typically clears on green channel.
Examination (where required)
We present cargo at CFS to the appraiser. Resolve queries within hours via e-Sanchit + ICEGATE messaging.
Duty payment, OOC & delivery
Duty debited via AD code-linked bank. Out-of-charge issued. Cargo released from CFS, transport coordinated to your warehouse / bonded facility. Final docs handed back with BoE number.
Why exporters / importers pick us for Sea Import
- Direct ICEGATE 2.0 filing — Advance BoE submitted before vessel berths
- Sub-72-hour OOC norm for AEO green-channel cases at JNPT / Mundra
- Specialist in MOOWR + FTWZ workflows for duty optimisation
- SVB representation for related-party valuation defence (we don't just file — we appear)
- Direct CHA filing, transparent duty break-up, single invoice with no hidden markups
What we'll typically need
Benefits you may qualify for
Shipment locations for enquiry
Availability and customs arrangements are confirmed for your shipment. View our offices and branch coverage.
Questions clients ask us about Sea Import
How early can you file the Bill of Entry?
Up to 30 days before vessel ETA at the Indian port, via the Prior Entry facility on ICEGATE 2.0. For most shipments we file 5-10 days ahead, which keeps cargo moving on the day of destuffing.
What's MOOWR and should I be using it?
MOOWR is the Manufacture and Other Operations in a Warehouse Regulations — it lets you import capital goods or raw materials into a bonded warehouse with duty deferred until the goods are home-cleared. For exporters or units making finished goods from imports, MOOWR effectively eliminates duty on the imported components if the output is re-exported. We'll check if it makes sense for your operations.
Can you help defend a SVB (Special Valuation Branch) case?
Yes — SVB cases are triggered when there's a related-party transaction (parent company in another country supplying your Indian entity). We prepare the SVB questionnaire response, transfer pricing documentation, and appear at the SVB hearings on your behalf. We don't outsource SVB defence — our DGFT desk handles it directly.
What if the cargo arrives with documentation discrepancies?
Common in international trade. We resolve via amendment of BoE on ICEGATE, or where the discrepancy is substantive (wrong consignee, wrong country of origin), we file a request for examination and reassessment. Costly delays are avoidable if we catch this before arrival — pre-arrival document review is part of our standard service.
Ready to move on this?
Tell us the shipment specifics — we'll turn around a binding quote in under 4 working hours.