Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment Regulations – Guidelines for Import Cargo into India

This is with reference to Circular No. 10/2025 issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, the full implementation of the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment Regulations (SCMTR) is scheduled to take effect from 31st May 2025.

These regulations mandate the advance submission of the Sea Arrival Manifest (SAM). As a carrier, it is our responsibility to comply with the updated timelines by ensuring that all necessary data for manifest submission is received well in advance. To support compliance with these requirements, we are sharing revised guidelines to ensure timely receipt of information and smooth manifest submission for all our customers.

We request your kind cooperation in adhering to the deadlines outlined below for all vessels arriving at Indian ports effective 19th May 2025. Please note, any delay in providing the required information may result in disruptions to the Import General Manifest (IGM) submission process with Customs and consequently it may delay for cargo clearance. Kindly note that any penalties or charges imposed by Customs due to non-compliance with the deadlines will be billed to the consignee in India.

1. CFS, ICD & SEZ Nomination on Maersk.com and on OTDI Platform
   • Current Deadline: 72 hours prior to ETA at Indian Port
   • Revised Deadline:
   • Short Transit: 72 hours prior to ETA at Indian Port
   • Long Transit: 96 hours prior to ETA at Indian Port
2. HBL – House Bill Of Lading
   • Current Deadline: 120 hours prior to ETA at Indian Port
   • Revised Deadline:
   • Short Transit: 96 hours prior to ETA at Indian Port
   • Long Transit: 120 hours prior to ETA at Indian Port
3. HSS – High Sea Sales
   • Current Deadline: 120 hours prior to ETA at Indian Port
   • Revised Deadline:
   • Short Transit: 96 hours prior to ETA at Indian Port
   • Long Transit: 120 hours prior to ETA at Indian Port
4. For SOC shipments - The SOC customers will file their own manifest and share CSN file to INDCSMAN@maersk.com.
   • Current Deadline: 72 hours prior to ETA at Indian Port
   • Revised Deadline:
   • Short Transit: 72 hours prior to ETA at Indian Port
   • Long Transit: 96 hours prior to ETA at Indian Port

Short Transit: Sailing time less than 48 hrs from last transshipment port towards Indian Port

Long Transit: Sailing time more than 48 hrs from last transshipment port towards Indian Port

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your customer service representative. You can find the contact details on the Maersk website.

We thank you for your business and look forward to continuing working with you.