Shipping Bill Export Guide

When This Applies

The Shipping Bill is the customs export declaration filed for every export shipment from India. It contains cargo details, value, destination, and claims for duty drawback or RoDTEP incentives.

Documents Needed

• Commercial Invoice and Packing List
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill (or booking confirmation)
• IEC and GSTIN
• AD Code registration at the port
• LUT copy (if exporting without IGST payment)
• Certificate of Origin (if claiming FTA benefits)
• Export licence (if applicable)

Common Mistakes

• Wrong port code — each port has a unique ICEGATE code
• Value mismatch between Shipping Bill and GST invoice — refund rejection
• Missing LUT when exporting under zero-rated IGST — forces IGST payment
• Incorrect incentive claim (RoDTEP vs Duty Drawback) — leads to recovery notices
• Late Shipping Bill filing — may miss sailing or flight schedules

Estimated Timeline and Process

Preparation (1 day): CHA gathers documents and prepares the Shipping Bill.

Filing (same day): Shipping Bill filed on ICEGATE.

Customs assessment (few hours to 1 day): Documents reviewed; cargo examined if selected.

Let Export Order (same day): Customs clears cargo for loading.

Post-shipment: File for GST refund and DGFT incentives.

How Sea Air Cargo Systems Can Help

We file Shipping Bills for exporters across Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai. Our team ensures correct port codes, matching GST data, and accurate incentive claims. Contact us for Shipping Bill filing support.

Types of Shipping Bills

• Shipping Bill for Export: Standard export of goods
• Shipping Bill for Drawback: When claiming duty drawback on imported inputs
• Shipping Bill for Bond: For exports under bond without payment of duty
• Shipping Bill for Re-export: For goods previously imported and now being sent back

Documents Required for Shipping Bill Filing

• Commercial Invoice and Packing List
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
• GST invoice and LUT bond (if applicable)
• Export licence or certificate (if required for the product)
• Certificate of Origin (if claiming preferential duty)

The Shipping Bill Process

• Step 1: File Shipping Bill on ICEGATE through a CHA or self
• Step 2: Customs assesses the declaration and selects channel (green/yellow/red)
• Step 3: Examination if required
• Step 4: Let Export Order (LEO) issued by customs
• Step 5: Cargo moves to port/airport for loading

Cost Factors to Plan For

CHA charges for Shipping Bill filing range from ₹2,500 to ₹15,000. Drawback claims may take 3–6 months for refund. Use our Export Documents Checklist to ensure you have everything ready.

When to Contact a CHA

Shipping Bill filing requires ICEGATE access and customs knowledge. A CHA files daily and can expedite LEO. Contact Sea Air Cargo Systems for Shipping Bill filing.

Pro tip: File your Shipping Bill at least 24 hours before cargo reaches the port or airport. Late filings compress your margin for error if customs selects the shipment for examination.

After Let Export Order is issued, monitor the vessel sailing schedule closely. If the shipment misses the booked vessel, the Shipping Bill must be amended and customs re-notified, adding 1–2 days to the process.

Frequently Asked Questions