Sea Export Services India

We export textiles, chemicals, auto parts, agricultural products, engineering goods, and project cargo by sea from India. Each commodity requires specific handling — textiles need moisture protection, chemicals need IMDG certification, and project cargo needs out-of-gauge flat-rack booking.

What specific requirements apply to each commodity?

Textiles and garments: Cotton and synthetic textiles must be packed in moisture-resistant polythene-lined cartons to prevent mould during 20–30 day transits. We book ventilated containers for jute and bamboo products. For FTA claims to the UK and EU, we arrange certificates of origin from the Textiles Committee.

Chemicals and hazardous goods: Chemical exports require IMDG classification, MSDS in English, and UN-certified packaging. We coordinate with shipping lines for DG slot acceptance — common classes from India include Class 3 (flammable liquids), Class 8 (corrosives), and Class 9 (miscellaneous). DG surcharge is typically 25–50% above standard ocean freight.

Auto parts and engineering goods: Engine components, castings, and fasteners are palletised and stretch-wrapped for FCL shipment. We use 40GP containers for palletised auto parts and 20GP for dense metal castings exceeding 18,000 kg. ATA carnets are arranged for temporary exports of prototypes and demo units.

Agricultural products: Rice, spices, and processed foods require FSSAI export certificates and phytosanitary inspection. We book food-grade containers and ensure fumigation certificates are issued before stuffing.

Project cargo: Oversized machinery and modules are handled as out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo on flat-rack or open-top containers. We coordinate crane hire, lashing plans, and third-party surveyor certification for cargo securing.

Exporting by sea from India requires nine coordinated steps from IEC registration to RoDTEP claim. The process takes 5–10 days for documentation and customs clearance at major ports, plus 6–28 days ocean transit depending on the destination.

What happens at each stage of sea export?

Step 1 — Get IEC Code: Register at dgft.gov.in; takes 3–5 business days. Step 2 — Register AD Code at Port: Link your bank's AD code with customs at the export port; one-time setup. Step 3 — Book FCL or LCL: We confirm space with shipping lines 2–3 weeks before sailing. Step 4 — Prepare Export Documents: Commercial invoice, packing list, packing declaration, and product-specific certificates. Step 5 — Stuff Container: For FCL, we supervise factory stuffing and sealing; for LCL, cargo moves to CFS for consolidation. Step 6 — File Shipping Bill: Filed on ICEGATE before cargo reaches the port. Step 7 — Get Let Export Order: Customs clears cargo under RMS; physical exam adds 1–3 days if selected. Step 8 — Cargo Loaded on Vessel: Shipping line issues Bill of Lading after loading. Step 9 — Claim RoDTEP / IGST Refund: We file RoDTEP claims and IGST refund applications on ICEGATE within 7 days of export.

We manage sea exports from JNPT, Chennai, Mundra, Kochi, Vizag, and ICD Whitefield. JNPT handles the highest container volumes for Europe and USA, Chennai leads in textiles and auto parts to Southeast Asia, and ICD Whitefield enables Bengaluru factories to stuff containers inland.

Sea transit times from India range from 6–9 days to UAE, 8–12 days to Singapore, 20–28 days to Europe, and 24–28 days to the USA. These are port-to-port times excluding stuffing, customs clearance, and inland transport.

FCL is ideal for exports above 15 CBM or 10,000 kg where the shipper wants a dedicated container. LCL consolidates smaller shipments at the CFS, suitable for 1–15 CBM cargo. FCL offers lower per-unit cost and faster transit; LCL reduces inventory holding for small-batch exporters.

When should exporters choose FCL over LCL?

Choose FCL when your monthly export volume exceeds 15 CBM or when cargo is fragile, high-value, or requires a sealed environment. A 40GP from JNPT to Rotterdam costs approximately $1,200–$1,800; at 58 CBM capacity, the per-CBM rate is $20–$31 — far below LCL rates of $55–$90 per CBM. FCL also avoids the 5–7 day CFS handling time at both ends. Choose LCL for trial orders, seasonal spikes, or when warehousing costs in the destination country are lower than holding full container inventory. We offer both modes and can shift you from LCL to FCL as your volumes grow.

Sea exporters can claim RoDTEP scrips worth 0.5%–4.3% of FOB value and receive IGST refunds within 7–15 days. Both benefits are filed on ICEGATE after the Shipping Bill receives Let Export Order status and foreign exchange realization is confirmed.

How do you file RoDTEP for sea exports?

RoDTEP claims are filed on ICEGATE by linking the shipping bill number to the RoDTEP schedule. Credits are issued as electronic scrips within 7–15 days of export. For textiles, typical RoDTEP rates are 2.5%–3.5% of FOB value; for chemicals, 1.0%–2.0%; for engineering goods, 1.5%–2.3%. These scrips are transferable and can be sold in the open market at 95–98% of face value, or used directly for customs duty payment on future imports. We file RoDTEP claims for every shipping bill automatically.

What is the IGST refund process for exporters?

Exporters operating under LUT do not pay IGST and therefore do not claim refunds. Exporters who pay IGST receive refunds within 7–15 days of shipping bill filing, provided the AD Code is active and foreign exchange is realized within 9 months. We recommend LUT for regular exporters to improve cash flow. For occasional exporters, we calculate whether IGST payment or LUT is more advantageous based on your working capital position.

Sea export documentation requires six core documents for every shipment, plus product-specific certificates. Missing any document delays customs clearance by 1–3 days and can cause missed vessel cut-off, resulting in 1–2 weeks of additional waiting time and storage costs.

What additional documents are needed for specific products?

Pharmaceutical exports need a drug manufacturing licence and batch-wise CoA. Food exports require FSSAI export clearance and health certificates from the destination country. Chemical exports need IMDG classification and UN packaging certificates. Electronics with lithium batteries need Section II or Section IB IATA/IMDG declarations. We review your product HS code and destination regulations 2 weeks before shipment to compile the exact document checklist.