Documentation is a very important aspect in the case of exports in India and one of the most critical documents in this context is the shipping bill. If you are an exporter or a business engaged in international trade, knowing how to check your shipping bill status is very important in case you want to have a hassle-free custom clearance and a timely shipment.
A shipping bill is regarded as one of the main documents that are required by customs authorities for the export of goods. It is a document which after being filed, undergoes various stages like verification, assessment and clearance. Due to this many exporters are always searching for methods to check shipping bill status online and keep themselves informed about the progress of their shipment.
What Is a Shipping Bill?
A shipping bill is a legal document which must be presented while exporting goods from India. It is the exporter or customs agent who submits it to the customs department as proof before goods are dispatched.
Details Required in a Shipping Bill
When the exporter fills a shipping bill, he provides details of export goods, exporter, consignee, and value of the shipment. In short, it includes all information that customs authorities require to verify and clear goods for export.
These data help to properly identify and to enable efficient processing of export shipments.
Types Of Shipping Bills in India
There are different types of shipping bills and each type is chosen based on the characteristics of the goods and the kind of export benefits desired.
Free Shipping Bill
Free Shipping Bill is utilized when no export incentives or benefits are claimed. It is the least complicated form of shipping bill.
Drawback Shipping Bill
If exporters want to claim a refund of customs duties paid on inputs used in manufacturing exported goods (duty drawback), Drawback Shipping Bill is used.
Dutiable Shipping Bill
Dutiable Shipping Bill is the shipping bill that is used when an export duty is leviable on the goods being exported.
Export Promotion Shipping Bill
When exporters wish to avail benefits under export promotion schemes like MEIS or any other government incentives, Export Promotion Shipping Bill is used.
How To Check Shipping Bill Status?
It is really easy to check your shipping bill status online. You can simply do it through the official ICEGATE portal.
Visit the ICEGATE Website
Simply open your browser and go to the official ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) website.
Select “Shipping Bill Status”
On the homepage or the services section, locate and click on the “Shipping Bill Status” option.
Enter Required Details
You will be asked to provide details such as:
- Shipping bill number
- Date of filing
- Port code
Be sure the information provided is correct.
View Current Status
Upon submission, the system will show you the latest status of your shipping bill, which can be:
- Filed
- Under processing
- Cleared
- Let Export Order (LEO) granted
Shipping Bill Status Stages
|
Status |
Meaning |
| Filed | Shipping bill submitted |
| Under Processing | Customs verification ongoing |
| Assessed | Documents verified |
| LEO Granted | Cleared for export |
| Completed | Shipment exported |
How To Download Shipping Bill from ICEGATE?
You can also get a copy of your shipping bill from the ICEGATE portal.
- Visit the ICEGATE Website
- Go to ‘Services’ > ‘Document Download’
- Enter Shipping Bill Details
- Search and Download
What is the Importance of a Shipping Bill?
For an export shipment to be processed, a shipping bill is undoubtedly one of the most important documents, if not the most. Since it is a few sheets of paper, it should not be considered just a simple paper.
Mandatory for Customs Clearance
Customs officials use the shipping bill as an official authorization for goods departure from the country and will not even permit exporting without it.
Legal Proof of Export
Shipping bill is the primary legal document supporting that the merchandise has been physically transported outside the territory of the issuing country.
Required to Claim Export Benefits
Exports must be accompanied by a valid shipping bill if the supplier intends to receive any kind of financial assistance or concession, say duty drawback or getting the export promotion benefits.
Ensures Regulatory Compliance
Besides other export formality benefits, a shipping bill also serves as a document to confirm the exporter’s compliance in case there is any inspection or audit by the authorities.
FAQ
1) How to check shipping bill status?
You can check the shipping bill status online at the ICEGATE website by submitting your shipping bill number, date, and port code.
2) How to download shipping bill from ICEGATE?
Visit to the ICEGATE site and from the main menu, go to Services > Document Download, enter your shipping bill details, and get the printed copy.
3) What is the importance of a shipping bill?
A shipping bill is essential for customs clearance of goods. Besides being a lawfully recognized proof of export, it also facilitates in claiming export incentives and adherence to export norms.
4) What are the different types of shipping bills?
Some of the primary types of shipping bills include Free Shipping Bill, Drawback Shipping Bill, Dutiable Shipping Bill, and Export Promotion Shipping Bill.
