India: IEC code, new Customs requirement
CMA CGM wishes to inform its customers about a new Customs regulation in India, the IEC code (Import Export Code Number).
Name and full style address of Indian Importer are mandatory for submission of manifest to Customs. In absence of Indian importer name, Customs do not allow to file import manifest and container will not be allowed to be discharged in Indian port.
IEC Code of importer has to be declared with Customs hence the Bill of Lading must display the same.
For cargo destined or transshipped at ports in India, all bills of lading are required to have the IEC Code of the Indian consignee mentioned in the Bill of Lading.
According to Custom’s directions, all Shipping Agents, Container Agents and Importers who are involved in filing Import General Manifest (IGM) including filing of supplementary and amendments are advised to provide Import Export Code (IEC) of the importer whose name is figuring in the Bill of Lading along with the importer name in the cargo description.
IEC number should be given as a prefix to the importer name without using any special characters or brackets. For example “0XXXXXXXXXX SEJAL GLASS LTD” should be entered in the importers name column in the IGM_Cargo details. It is also advised to refrain from using prefixes like /s., m/s., M/S etc. while providing importer’s name.
To adhere to the above instructions all Bill of Lading are required to have the Indian Consignee details mentioned either in the Consignee column or as the First notify Party. Further the Indian Consignee details should again be mentioned in the Cargo description with the IEC code as the prefix to the importer name {Example “0XXXXXXXXXX SEJAL GLASS LTD”}.
Where can the IEC Code be obtained?
The IEC code can be verified by checking following link:
http://dgft.delhi.nic.in:8100/dgft/IecPrint.
Non-compliance of the said instructions shall lead to levy of penalty by customs’ authority which shall be on Merchant’s account.
In order to meet the requirements of the new rule, shippers or their partner forwarders will need to review supply chain processes in their sourcing locations and ensure that IEC information is provided to the Carrier timely.
For more information, please contact yourlocal CMA CGM office.
