Pan-India Rollout of Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018

“Indirect Tax I Indirect Tax Litigation I Customs & FTP I Central Licensing I Arbitration I Advisory”

Dated: 02.07.2026

Pan-India Rollout of Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018

The Indian Customs Department has announced the nationwide rollout of the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018, marking a significant step towards streamlining sea cargo operations across the country. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the SCMTR, its phased implementation, transitional provisions, and the impact on stakeholders.

Background: What is SCMTR, 2018?

The SCMTR, 2018, introduced via Notification No. 38/2018-Customs (N.T.), establishes a standardized framework for the electronic filing and management of sea cargo manifests and transhipment processes. The regulations aim to:

Enhance transparency and efficiency in sea cargo movement
Facilitate seamless data exchange between stakeholders and customs authorities
Ensure compliance with international best practices

Phased Implementation of SCMTR

To ensure a smooth transition, the Directorate General of Systems (DG Systems) implemented the SCMTR message framework in four functional segments:

Sea Messages to Gateway Port (Arrival): Handling the arrival of sea cargo at major ports.
Gateway Port to Foreign Sea Ports (Departure): Managing departures from Indian ports to international destinations.
Gateway Port to Inland Customs Locations (Import Transshipment): Overseeing the movement of imported goods from gateway ports to inland customs points.
Inland Customs Locations to Gateway Port (Export Transshipment): Facilitating the export of goods from inland locations to gateway ports.

Key Message Types Implemented

Arrivals: SAM, SEI, SAA, SCE, VCN, Vessel Profile
Departures: SOM, SDA, SEX, SON
Export Transhipment: SF, ASR, SFCN (nationwide); DP, DT, AR, AT (Pan-India from 30.06.2026)

All message developments, except for Import Transhipment (ITP) messages, are fully operational from 1st July 2026.

Transitional Provisions and Stakeholder Support

Recognizing the need for a smooth transition, the Board has extended the transitional provisions under SCMTR, 2018, up to 31st August 2026. This extension allows stakeholders—including authorized sea carriers, agents, transhippers, terminal operators, and custodians—to adapt to the new electronic filing requirements without the risk of penal action for technical or procedural difficulties during this period.

Key Provisions for Stakeholders

Electronic Filing: All prescribed messages (except ITP) must be filed electronically from 1st July 2026.
No Penal Action: No penalties for technical or procedural issues in online filing until 31st August 2026.
Outreach and Support: Weekly outreach sessions in each customs zone to address stakeholder challenges.
Issue Resolution: Field formations to coordinate with DG Systems for system issues and escalate policy matters to the Board.

Steps for Field Formations

Issue public notices to inform stakeholders about the new requirements and transitional provisions.
Conduct regular outreach and support sessions.
Resolve system-related issues promptly in coordination with DG Systems.
Report policy-related challenges to the Board for timely intervention.

Conclusion

The pan-India implementation of SCMTR, 2018, represents a major modernization of India’s sea cargo management system. With extended transitional provisions and robust support mechanisms, stakeholders are encouraged to embrace the new electronic processes, ensuring greater efficiency and compliance in the movement of sea cargo across the nation.

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

We offer Legal advice and litigation support in matters related to Indirect Tax-Customs, FTP, other Indirect Tax matters & Arbitration law, all sorts of Central licensing and related matters. Come and explore the new way of doing business with us!

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

Disclaimer

Handy Download:

Customs CircularDownload

Connect with us for more-

@ Team S J EXIM SERVICES, New Delhi, IN

CP: Ms. Shubhra Jha, Founder

Tel: +91-11-4999 2707 I +91-9999005693

Web: www.sjexim.services

EMAIL: operations@sjexim.services I shubhra@sjexim.services

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjeximservices

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/90794255/admin/feed/posts/