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Shipping Bill Process for Export India
Shipping Bill Process for Export India
A Complete Guide by Globax Solutions
When it comes to exporting goods from India, the Shipping Bill is one of the most critical documents in the process. Whether you’re a first-time exporter or managing large volumes, understanding the shipping bill process for export India is essential for seamless customs clearance and international trade success.
In this detailed guide by Globax Solutions, we’ll walk you through the Indian export documentation, step-by-step customs clearance for export, online filing methods, and more. Let’s simplify your export shipping procedure in India.
What is a Shipping Bill in Export?
A Shipping Bill is a legal document required by Indian Customs before goods can be exported out of the country. It contains details such as:
- Description of goods
- Quantity
- Value
- Destination country
- Exporter and importer details
- Applicable duty benefits
The shipping bill process for export India is the first step to begin customs clearance and obtain permission to move goods to the shipping port.
Types of Shipping Bills in India
Based on the nature of goods and export benefits claimed, different types of Shipping Bills are issued:
| Type of Shipping Bill | Color Code | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| White Shipping Bill | White | For duty-free goods without export incentives |
| Green Shipping Bill | Green | For goods eligible for export incentives like duty drawback |
| Yellow Shipping Bill | Yellow | For dutiable goods |
| Blue Shipping Bill | Blue | For goods under export promotion schemes like Advance License |
| Pink Shipping Bill | Pink | Used for export under DEPB schemes (now replaced by other incentives) |
Understanding the right type is crucial to comply with Indian export documentation rules and receive the appropriate benefits.
Key Documents Required for Shipping Bill Filing
To file a Shipping Bill, exporters must provide a set of mandatory documents to initiate the customs clearance for export:
- Invoice and Packing List
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Export Order or Letter of Credit
- Import Export Code (IEC)
- GST Invoice
- Declaration of Origin
- AD Code Registration
- Authorized Dealer Bank Certificate (optional)
These documents are a vital part of Indian export documentation and must be accurate to avoid delays.
Who Needs a Shipping Bill in India?
All businesses involved in physical exports of goods from India must file a Shipping Bill. Whether you are an MSME or a large enterprise, submitting a Shipping Bill is mandatory to move your goods from your factory or warehouse to the port for final shipment.
Anyone who wants to claim export benefits under MEIS, RoDTEP, or duty drawback must also complete the shipping bill process for export India. Even service providers exporting physical items like software on hardware may be required to comply.
Shipping Bill Online Filing Process in India (ICEGATE Portal)
Thanks to digitization by the Indian government, exporters can now file shipping bills online through the ICEGATE portal (Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange Gateway).
Step 1: Register on ICEGATE
- Visit https://www.icegate.gov.in
- Create an account using your IEC code and PAN
- Upload a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Step 2: Upload Export Documents
- Submit commercial invoice, packing list, and shipping documents
- Declare HSN code, product value, destination, etc.
Step 3: File Shipping Bill
- Select the correct type of Shipping Bill
- Fill in the shipping bill form with required data
- Submit electronically
Step 4: Customs Review & Risk Management System (RMS)
- Customs officials verify submitted details
- RMS may assess or inspect cargo if required
Step 5: Receive Let Export Order (LEO)
- If all is in order, LEO is issued
- Cargo is cleared for loading at port
The shipping bill online filing system ensures efficient tracking, transparency, and quicker processing of export shipments.
Customs Clearance for Export: Post Shipping Bill Procedure
Once your Shipping Bill is filed and LEO issued, the next critical phase is customs clearance for export:
- Cargo Stuffing: Goods are packed into containers at ICD or factory.
- Customs Inspection: Random or full inspection may be conducted.
- Sealing: Container is sealed by customs after approval.
- Movement to Port: The sealed cargo is transported to the shipping port.
- Final Clearance & Loading: Goods are loaded onto the vessel/aircraft.
Exporters must ensure that the cargo is handled by licensed CHA (Custom House Agent) or freight forwarders to complete the export shipping procedure in India without delay.
Importance of Shipping Bill in Indian Export Documentation
The Shipping Bill is not just a customs document – it is central to the entire Indian export documentation framework:
- Acts as proof of export
- Mandatory for realization of foreign currency
- Required for claiming duty drawback and RoDTEP
- Essential for filing GST refund claims
- Needed for record-keeping and post-shipment compliance
Without a properly filed shipping bill, your export business cannot receive trade benefits or customs approvals.
Common Mistakes in Shipping Bill Filing
Avoid these errors when managing your shipping bill process for export India:
- Wrong HSN code leading to wrong tax benefits
- Mismatch between invoice and shipping bill value
- Incorrect port or container details
- Not updating AD Code or bank details
- Using incorrect incentives or license scheme codes
These mistakes can result in customs clearance for export delays or financial penalties.
Export Shipping Procedure in India: Quick Summary
| Step | Task | Document Needed |
| 1 | Obtain IEC Code | PAN, Bank Details |
| 2 | Register on ICEGATE | DSC, IEC |
| 3 | Prepare Documents | Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading |
| 4 | File Shipping Bill | Export Documents |
| 5 | Get LEO from Customs | Shipping Bill Approved |
| 6 | Stuff Cargo and Seal | Container Inspection |
| 7 | Move to Port | Sealing Certificate, LEO |
| 8 | Final Export | Bill of Lading, Proof of Export |
This is the standard framework for the export shipping procedure in India.
Role of Freight Forwarders and CHA in Shipping Bill Process
Professional support can simplify your shipping bill process for export India. Licensed freight forwarders and Custom House Agents (CHA) can:
- File documents correctly on ICEGATE
- Handle port procedures
- Track clearance status
- Coordinate with shipping lines and customs
For first-time exporters, working with experienced CHA ensures compliance with all Indian export documentation norms.
Final Thoughts from Globax Solutions
The Shipping Bill is the foundation of any successful export from India. Whether you’re exporting garments, food products, machinery, or electronics, following the right shipping bill process for export India is non-negotiable.
At Globax Solutions, we provide end-to-end support for:
- IEC & AD Code registration
- Online Shipping Bill Filing
- CHA coordination & port clearance
- Export documentation training
We help MSMEs and exporters manage their Indian export documentation with 100% accuracy.
Contact us for more details of & Your registration
Our team will be happy to assist you
Mobile: +91-790-200-2800