Expert Customs Clearance for Indian Exporters and Importers
Customs clearance is the process of getting your goods legally approved to cross India’s border. Every export shipment requires a Shipping Bill filed on ICEGATE, and every import requires a Bill of Entry. The process involves document verification, duty assessment, physical examination (if ordered), and final clearance by the customs officer. Errors at any stage mean delays, penalties, or shipment holds.
Export Customs Clearance Process
Your Customs House Agent (now called Customs Broker) files the Shipping Bill on ICEGATE with details from your Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and product specifications. The system assigns a Shipping Bill number and routes it for assessment. The assessing officer verifies HS code classification, FOB value, and applicable incentive declarations (RoDTEP, Duty Drawback, EPCG). If everything checks out, a Let Export Order (LEO) is issued and your goods move to the vessel or aircraft.
For first-time exporters, customs may order a physical examination of the cargo. This adds 1 to 2 days but is standard practice. Subsequent shipments from the same IEC with clean history get faster processing. AEO-certified exporters get priority clearance with minimal examination. IEC registration is the prerequisite for all customs operations.
Import Customs Clearance Process
Import clearance starts with filing a Bill of Entry before or upon cargo arrival. The assessing officer determines the applicable customs duty based on HS code, country of origin, and any trade agreement concessions (such as India-UAE CEPA). Duty payment is made through ICEGATE, and goods are released after examination if ordered.
Common Customs Clearance Challenges
HS code disputes are the most frequent cause of clearance delays. If customs disagrees with your declared classification, they can reclassify at a higher duty rate and issue a demand notice. Wrong valuation declarations trigger penalties under Section 114A of the Customs Act. Missing documents like Certificate of Origin means you lose preferential tariff benefits. And improper RoDTEP or Duty Drawback declarations on the Shipping Bill cannot be corrected after LEO in most cases.
What We Handle
Rasp International provides complete customs clearance support at all major Indian ports: JNPT (Nhava Sheva), Mundra, Chennai, Kolkata, Tughlakabad ICD, Dadri ICD, and Agra ICD. We handle Shipping Bill filing, Bill of Entry processing, duty calculation and optimization, examination coordination, out-of-charge processing, and post-clearance compliance. Learn about our customs advisory services.
Get Clearance Support
Whether you are a first-time exporter filing your first Shipping Bill or an established trader dealing with a customs dispute, our team has the experience to resolve it. Contact us or call +91 8218043048. Also explore our GST compliance for exports and AD Code registration services.