Customs clearance is the stage where your shipment is formally allowed to leave India. Most of it happens online through ICEGATE, and a licensed customs broker usually handles the filing. Knowing the stages helps you prepare the right documents and avoid delays at the port.
Export customs clearance in India follows these stages: register your IEC, AD code and ICEGATE account; give your documents to a customs broker; the broker files a shipping bill electronically on ICEGATE; the goods reach the port, ICD or CFS; the customs risk system decides whether the shipment is cleared on documents or examined; customs grants the Let Export Order (LEO); the goods are loaded; and the carrier files the Export General Manifest (EGM), which triggers refund and incentive processing.
Before the first shipment
- IEC from DGFT. See our IEC guide.
- AD code registered at each port you export from, so export payments and incentives are linked to your bank account. See our AD code guide.
- ICEGATE registration to track shipping bills and refunds. See our ICEGATE guide.
- LUT filed on the GST portal if you export without paying IGST.
The clearance process, stage by stage
- Hand over documentsGive your customs broker the commercial invoice, packing list, and any licences or certificates, with the HS code and scheme details for each item.
- Shipping bill filedThe broker files the shipping bill electronically on ICEGATE. It records the goods, value, HS code, port and any incentive or refund being claimed.
- Goods reach the portFactory-stuffed containers or loose cargo arrive at the port, ICD or CFS and are entered into the customs area.
- Risk-based assessmentThe customs risk management system decides whether the shipment is cleared on the documents or selected for physical examination.
- Let Export OrderOnce customs is satisfied, it grants the Let Export Order, which allows the goods to be loaded.
- Loading and sailingThe goods are loaded and the shipping line or airline issues the bill of lading or airway bill.
- EGM filedThe carrier files the Export General Manifest, which confirms the goods actually left India.
After the goods sail
Once the EGM is filed, the shipping bill becomes the basis for your export benefits. Duty drawback is credited to the bank account linked to your AD code, and RoDTEP is issued as e-scrips. If you paid IGST on the export, the shipping bill is treated as your refund claim, provided your GST returns report the same invoices. Small differences between the shipping bill and GST returns are one of the most common reasons refunds get stuck.
Common causes of delay
- Invoice, packing list and shipping bill showing different quantities, values or descriptions
- Wrong or unsupported HS code. See our HS code guide.
- AD code not registered at the port of export
- Missing certificates such as phytosanitary or origin certificates
- Late arrival of cargo after the vessel's cut-off time
Frequently asked questions
Who files the shipping bill?
A licensed customs broker usually files it on ICEGATE on your behalf. Exporters can also file it themselves after registering on ICEGATE.
What is a Let Export Order?
It is the customs order that allows export goods to be loaded onto the vessel or aircraft, granted after assessment and any examination.
What is an EGM?
The Export General Manifest is filed by the shipping line or airline after departure. It confirms the goods left India and is needed for refunds and incentives.
How long does export customs clearance take?
When documents are correct and no examination is needed, clearance can be completed within a day. Examinations and document queries add time.
Get your export registrations ready
BuyGenix sets up IEC, AD code, ICEGATE and LUT so your first shipment clears without delays.
See registration services →Looking for buyers for your products?
See live requirements from importers and bulk buyers in India and abroad: what they want, how much, and where. Contact them directly with a BuyGenix membership.
