Last updated: December 7th, 2022 4:34 PM

Electronic transmission of shipping bill under Customs

To achieve Faceless, Contactless, and Paperless Customs, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, vide circular dated 22^nd June 2020, has introduced the facility of electronic transmission of Final Let Export Order copy of shipping bill and e-Gatepass copy of shipping bill. The electronic facility is effective from 22^nd June 2020. Before the electronic transmission facility, in general, the Shipping bill was printed in duplicate, i.e., Customs Copy and Exporter Copy. Further, based on the exporter’s request, the Export Promotion Copy was also published in many cases. Newly introduced electronic transmission of the shipping bill will save time and reduce the compliance cost for the trade. The current article highlights the salient features of the electronic transmission of Final Let Export Order copy of the shipping bill and e-Gatepass copy of the shipping bill.

Final Let Export Order Copy

Let Export Order is the final compliance step for the export of goods out of India. The salient features of electronically communicated Final Let Export Order copy of the shipping bill are-

1. The Final Let Export Oder copy of the shipping bill will be communicated to the Customs Broker and exporter in PDF format.
2. The PDF copy will be digitally signed and bear the encrypted QR code.
3. The QR code is tamper-proof. CBIC digitally signs the same to confirm authenticity. The QR code contains details like-
   1. Shipping Bill Date,
   2. Shipping Bill Number,
   3. Free on Board (FOB) value,
   4. Package details.
4. To verify the document’s authenticity, the QR code can be scanned using the Mobile App ICETRAK.

e-Gatepass of Shipping Bill

The logistics operators also use the shipping bill as proof of export during the movement of export goods, including transshipment (by road/ rail) or loading of cargo in the vessels/ aircraft. Earlier, the printed form of shipping bill was used for such purposes. However, from 22^nd June 2020, the logistics operator will provide an e-Gatepass copy of the shipping bill. The salient features of an e-Gate pass copy of the shipping bill are-

1. An e-Gatepass copy of the shipping bill will contain critical details of the container or package for the movement of goods. It facilitates easy, authentic, and quick verification by the custodian at the point of entry or exit.
2. The e-Gate pass copy of the shipping bill will contain the following two types of QR Code-
   1. For the entire e-Gate pass document; and
   2. For each container or package covered under e-Gatepass.
3. The e-Gate pass copy of the shipping bill shall be issued in the following manner-
   1. In the case of packaged and other bulk cargo – an e-Gatepass copy will be generated during Let Export Order.
   2. In the case of containerized cargo – an e-Gatepass copy will be generated after receipt of the container stuffing information.

Conclusion

Recently, heading towards paperless customs, the Board has taken various steps like digital PDF Out-of-Charge copy of Bill of Entry, the introduction of Faceless Assessment at Chennai and Bengaluru, and electronic transmission of shipping bills. Such electronic communication will undoubtedly enhance the ease of doing business.

Import Export Code

The Import Export Code is a primary document necessary for commencing Import-export activities. The IE code is to be obtained for exporting or importing goods or services.IEC has numerous benefits for the growth of the business. Indeed, you cannot ignore the necessity of IE code registration, as it is mandatory. You can apply for an Import Export code through IndiaFilings and obtain it within 6 to 7 days.