Bill of entry & shipping bill
Filing on ICEGATE for imports and exports, with checklist shared for your approval before submission.
Customs clearance, without the queries
Most delays at Indian ports are not caused by customs. They are caused by a document that did not match. We check yours before we file.
Overview
Customs Clearance with King Freight Maritime
Customs clearance is where the money leaks. A wrong HS classification means either an overpaid duty you never recover or a demand notice eighteen months later. A description that does not match the invoice means examination, and examination means demurrage.
King Freight Maritime files bills of entry and shipping bills across the major Indian ports and airports. Before we file, we reconcile the invoice, packing list, purchase order and bill of lading against each other — because that is where the discrepancy always is.
What is included
Classification & valuation
HS code advice with reasoning, and valuation support where related-party or royalty questions arise.
Licence & compliance
DGFT licences, advance authorisation, EPCG, and the permissions particular regulated commodities require.
Drawback & RoDTEP
Duty drawback and RoDTEP claims prepared and followed up rather than filed and forgotten.
Examination handling
Physical presence at examination, so questions get answered on the spot instead of by email a day later.
Free-day tracking
Demurrage and detention free days tracked from arrival, with a warning before they expire.
At a glance
| Stage | What happens | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-alert received | Documents reconciled against purchase order | Same day |
| Checklist issued | Draft bill of entry sent to you for approval | Within 24 hours |
| Filing | Bill of entry filed on ICEGATE | Same day as approval |
| Assessment | Duty assessed; query resolved if raised | 1–2 working days |
| Duty payment | Duty paid and out-of-charge obtained | Same day as assessment |
| Delivery order | DO collected and cargo released for haulage | Same day |
Timings assume complete documents, no examination and no departmental query. Facilitated consignments clear faster; commodities requiring FSSAI, drug controller, plant quarantine or BIS approval take longer.
Documents we will need
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Purchase order
- IEC certificate
- GST registration
- Certificate of origin where preferential duty is claimed
- Insurance certificate
- Product-specific approvals (FSSAI, BIS, drug controller, plant quarantine)
Frequently asked questions
What is a customs broker and do I need one?
A customs broker, still commonly called a CHA, is licensed to file customs documents on your behalf. You can self-file, but the classification, valuation and procedural exposure sits with you either way, and the licence-holder is the one who can attend examination and resolve queries at the port.
Who is responsible if the HS code is wrong?
The importer of record carries the liability, which is why classification should never be a guess. Where a commodity is genuinely ambiguous, we set out the reasoning and, for high-value repeat imports, recommend applying for an advance ruling so the position is settled before the goods arrive.
How do I avoid demurrage?
Send the pre-alert documents as soon as the shipment sails rather than when it arrives. Most demurrage is caused by documents arriving late, not by customs being slow. We file on receipt of complete documents, which usually means clearance is underway before the vessel berths.
What is duty drawback and can I claim it?
Duty drawback refunds a portion of the customs duty paid on imported inputs when the resulting goods are exported. Eligibility depends on the commodity and the drawback schedule rate. We prepare the claim with the shipping bill and follow it through to credit rather than leaving it with you.
Can you clear at ports where you have no office?
Yes. We work through licensed brokers at ports outside our direct coverage, but the file, the communication and the invoice stay with us. You do not get handed to a third party you have never spoken to.
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Ready to move your next shipment?
Send us the lane and the commodity. We will come back with a rate, a cut-off date and the documents you need — within one working day.