Customs Clearance & Compliance

Smooth Clearance. Zero Delays. Zero Penalties. Over 40% of import delays happen due to documentation errors. Our customs experts ensure your shipment clears right the first time.

SECTION 1

The Challenge Most Importers Face

You've found a great supplier, negotiated a good price, and your goods are on their way to India. But then your shipment gets stuck at customs.

Common reasons shipments get held at Indian customs:

• Wrong HS code classification — leading to duty disputes

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation

• Missing compliance certificates (BIS, WPC, FSSAI, etc.)

• Mismatch between invoice and actual goods

• Missing Import Export Code (IEC)

• Incorrect valuation declaration

Each day your goods sit at the port, you pay demurrage and detention charges. A 1-week delay can add ₹20,000–₹50,000 in extra costs — and that's before any penalties.

C2I Logistics prevents all of this. Our in-house customs brokerage team handles 200+ clearances every month. We know the system, the officers, the procedures — and we get your goods out fast.

SECTION 2

Our 7-Step Customs Clearance Process

Step 1 — Pre-Arrival Document Review

Before your shipment arrives in India, we review all documents — Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin. We flag and fix any errors before they cause problems.

Step 2 — HS Code Classification

We assign the correct Harmonized System (HS) code to your products. This determines the customs duty rate. Incorrect classification is the #1 cause of customs disputes — our team has classified 10,000+ product categories.

Step 3 — Duty & Tax Calculation

We calculate the exact duty you'll pay:

• Basic Customs Duty (BCD) — varies by product (0% to 100%)

• Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) — 10% of BCD

• Integrated GST (IGST) — 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28% based on product

• Any applicable Anti-Dumping Duty or Safeguard Duty

We share this with you BEFORE filing so there are no surprises.

Step 4 — Bill of Entry Filing (ICEGATE)

We electronically file the Bill of Entry on India's customs portal (ICEGATE) with all required details — importer information, product classification, valuation, and supporting documents.

Step 5 — Customs Assessment & Examination

The customs officer assesses your Bill of Entry. In most cases, shipments are cleared without physical examination (green channel). If selected for examination, our representative is present at the port to coordinate with customs officials.

Step 6 — Duty Payment

We pay all applicable duties and taxes on your behalf. You receive official duty payment receipts needed for your accounting and GST input credit claims.

Step 7 — Release & Delivery Order

Once duties are paid and assessment is complete, we obtain the Delivery Order from the shipping line/airline. Your goods are released from the port and ready for pickup/delivery.

SECTION 3

Regulatory Compliance We Handle

BIS Registration (Bureau of Indian Standards)

Required for: Electronics, IT products, batteries, helmets, toys, and 370+ product categories We help with: BIS application, testing coordination, registration, and labeling compliance

FSSAI License (Food Safety)

Required for: Any food product, supplement, or food-contact material We help with: FSSAI import license application, lab testing coordination, label compliance

WPC Approval (Wireless Planning Commission)

Required for: Bluetooth devices, WiFi products, remote controls, wireless equipment We help with: ETA (Equipment Type Approval) application, testing, and compliance documentation

Drug Controller / CDSCO

Required for: Medical devices, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics with drug claims We help with: Import license application, registration, and documentation

EPR Registration (Extended Producer Responsibility)

Required for: Electronics, batteries, plastic packaging We help with: EPR registration through CPCB portal

Chemical Registration

Required for: Industrial chemicals, hazardous substances We help with: MSDS documentation, hazardous cargo clearance, labeling

SECTION 4

Clearance at All Major Indian Ports & Airports

• Delhi — IGI Airport (Air Cargo Complex) & ICD Tughlakabad (Sea/Rail)

• Mumbai — Nhava Sheva (JNPT) & Mumbai Air Cargo

• Chennai — Chennai Port & Chennai Airport

• Kolkata — Kolkata Port & Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport

• Bangalore — Bangalore Airport Cargo

• Hyderabad — Hyderabad Airport & ICD

• Ahmedabad — Ahmedabad Airport & Mundra Port

• Mundra — Adani Mundra Port (Gujarat)

• Cochin — Cochin Port

SECTION 5

What You Get as a Client

✅ 98% First-Attempt Clearance Rate — Our documentation accuracy means your goods almost never face re-assessment or queries.

✅ Average 2–3 Day Clearance — Most shipments clear within 2–3 working days of arrival. Express clearances possible in 24 hours for air cargo.

✅ No Demurrage Costs — Fast clearance means your goods don't sit at the port accumulating daily charges.

✅ Correct Duty — Not Overpaid — Wrong HS codes often mean you pay MORE duty than required. Our accurate classification ensures you pay exactly what's legally due — not a rupee more.

✅ Full Document Package — You receive Bill of Entry, Duty Receipt, Assessment Copy, and all supporting documents for your records, audits, and GST credit claims.

✅ Compliance Peace of Mind — We ensure your imports comply with all Indian regulations. No penalties, no seizures, no legal issues.

SECTION 6

Ideal For

📦 Importers Shipping Under FOB/CIF Terms — Your goods have arrived at the Indian port but you need someone to handle customs. That's us.

🆘 Stuck Shipments — Goods held at customs due to documentation issues? We can intervene and resolve the situation.

📋 Compliance-Heavy Products — Importing electronics, food, chemicals, or medical devices that need BIS/FSSAI/WPC? We manage the entire certification process.

🏢 Businesses Without a CHA — Don't have a regular Customs House Agent? C2I acts as your dedicated customs brokerage partner.

SECTION 7 — FAQ

How long does customs clearance take?

Typically 2–3 working days from the time your shipment arrives in India. Air cargo can sometimes clear in 24 hours. Delays only occur if documents are incomplete or if customs orders a physical examination.

Do you handle clearance at all Indian ports?

Yes. We operate at all major sea ports (JNPT, Mundra, Chennai, Kolkata, Cochin) and air cargo complexes (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad).

What if my product needs BIS or FSSAI certification?

We handle the entire compliance process — from application to testing to registration. We recommend starting this process early as certifications can take 4–8 weeks.

Can you help if my shipment is already stuck at customs?

Yes. We regularly assist importers whose shipments are held due to documentation errors, duty disputes, or compliance issues. Contact us with your Bill of Entry number and we'll assess the situation.

Clear Your Shipment Without Delays or Penalties

Already have goods at the port? Or planning a shipment and want to understand duty costs? Contact us for expert customs assistance.