CBIC Standardizes Vessel Entry Inward and Sail-Out Clearance

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Dated: 19.05.2026

CBIC Standardizes Vessel Entry Inward and Sail-Out Clearance

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has issued Circular No. 26/2026 to standardize and modernize the procedures for granting Entry Inward and Vessel Sail-out Clearance at Indian ports. This move aims to eliminate unnecessary delays and enhance efficiency in maritime cargo operations.

Background: The Need for Standardization

Previously, practices for granting Entry Inward and Sail-out Clearance varied across ports. In many cases, these clearances were linked to the physical boarding of Customs officers on vessels, often after berthing. This requirement led to avoidable delays in starting and completing cargo operations, impacting port efficiency and increasing costs for shipping lines and agents.

Key Provisions of the New Circular

Decoupling Clearance from Physical Boarding
- Entry Inward and Sail-out Clearance are now independent of the physical boarding of Customs officers.
- Physical boarding is recognized as a separate statutory process under Section 37 of the Customs Act, 1962, and the Imported Stores (Retention on Board) Regulations, 1963.
- Grant of clearances will not be delayed or made contingent upon boarding formalities.
Legal Framework
- Entry Inward: Governed by Sections 30 and 31 of the Customs Act, 1962.
- Sail-out Clearance: Governed by Sections 41 and 42 of the Customs Act, 1962.
- Boarding of vessels: Governed independently under Section 37 and relevant regulations.
Digital Filing and Remote Clearance
- CBIC has implemented Sea Arrival Manifest (SAM) and Sea Departure Manifest (SDM) messages under the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR).
- Shipping lines and agents must file these manifests online, including crew effects, ship stores, and other required details.
- Documents can be uploaded in PDF format via e-Sanchit, with IRN-based referencing for seamless processing.
- Customs officers can now grant Entry Inward and Sail-out Clearance remotely, based on the online filings.
Risk-Based Physical Boarding
- Physical boarding by Customs officers will be conducted only when necessary, based on risk profiling.
- Factors considered include compliance behavior, voyage nature, vessel itinerary, cargo type, and other safety/security parameters.
- Field formations are directed to develop mechanisms for risk-based boarding.
Stakeholder Communication
- Field formations are instructed to issue public notices to inform all stakeholders of these changes.
- Any difficulties in implementation should be reported to the Board for resolution.

Benefits of the New Procedures

Reduced Delays: Decoupling clearance from physical boarding eliminates unnecessary waiting times for vessels.
Enhanced Efficiency: Remote processing and digital documentation streamline operations for shipping lines, agents, and Customs.
Improved Risk Management: Focused physical boarding based on risk profiling ensures resources are used where most needed, enhancing security without hampering trade.
Transparency and Uniformity: Standardized procedures across all ports foster predictability and fairness for all stakeholders.

Example Implementation

A shipping line files the Sea Arrival Manifest (SAM) and uploads all required documents via e-Sanchit before the vessel arrives.
Customs officers review the digital submissions and, if all checks are satisfied, grant Entry Inward clearance remotely—no need for officers to board the vessel unless risk factors are identified.
Similarly, for Sail-out Clearance, the Sea Departure Manifest (SDM) is filed online, and clearance is granted promptly after digital review.

Conclusion

The new standardized procedures for Entry Inward and Sail-out Clearance represent a significant step forward in modernizing India’s maritime trade processes. By leveraging digital tools and risk-based approaches, the CBIC is ensuring faster, safer, and more efficient port operations for all stakeholders.

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Source: CBIC, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India

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