Documents Required for Import-Export Customs Clearance

Any shipment moving from one country to another requires customs clearance. Apart from international laws and regulations, every country has its own set of laws outlined by its government. The shipping companies and other parties involved have to follow these laws. Document handling is one of the most crucial aspects of international trade. In the article below, we shall focus on import-export customs clearance document requirements for smooth trading.

Know more about custom clearance documentation

IRDA certified advisors

Instant doubt resolution

Free of cost

Know more about custom clearance documentation

IRDA certified advisors

Instant doubt resolution

Free of cost

Mobile number

We don't spam

Talk to expert advisor for Free

Documents Required While Importing to India

The process of importing goods is completed only when the buyer or the importer receives the goods. Thus, for customs clearance on imported goods, the importer is required to furnish these documents at the port of entry:

Bill of Entry: Bill of entry is one of the most essential import-export customs clearance documents required for import customs clearance. A bill of entry is a legal document that needs to be filed by importers or agents. The document contains details of the shipment, such as IGST, the shipment quantity, additional duty (if any), and the total customs duty amount.
Commercial invoice cum packing list: This is a document of huge importance. The items in the shipment are then checked and assessed to prevent over or under-invoicing.
Bill of Landing: The exporter needs to share the bill of landing with the importer. In absence of this document, the importer cannot receive the shipment. This document states the carrier details and the terms of delivery.
Import License: The import license may be mandatory when importing certain types of goods. Import of some specific products is regulated by the government, thus import license is necessary for certain goods.
Insurance Certificate: A marine insurance certificate helps customs authorities to verify if the shipment is insured or not. It is also required to find the assessable value of the goods which then determines the import duty applicable. It is always recommended to have adequate marine insurance during the trade.
Purchase Order (PO): This document outlines the terms and conditions of the sale contract. It enables the customs department to confirm value assessment. In case the shipment is on the letter of credit, a copy of the Letter of Credit needs to be submitted for import clearance.

Learn more about Marine Insurance

Annual open Policy

Read More

Single Transit Policy

Read More

Sales turn over Policy

Read More

Transit Insurance

Read More

Marine Insurance

Read More

Cargo Insurance

Read More

Read More

Documents Required While Exporting from India

Some of the essential import-export customs clearance documents required while exporting goods from India include:

Commercial Invoice: As mentioned above, this is a legal document signed between the exporter and the buyer. It holds the record of the goods and the amount the buyer is liable to pay.
Shipping Bill: This document mentions details of the buyer, the seller, the shipping company, etc.
Customs Declaration Form: It is a type of declaration form that must be duly signed and submitted.
Export License: An export license allows exporters to trade in goods that come under the restricted category. It is required to be produced by the exporter at the time of shipping his first cargoca
Packing List: The packing list is an important document mentioning the details of the various items being exported by the exporter.
Warehouse Receipt: The warehouse receipt acts as proof that the goods approved for sale are available and ready to be shipped.
Dangerous Goods Forms: Certain goods that are considered dangerous require certificates to prove that they have been through mandatory checks. Chemicals, dyes, hazardous solutions, etc. come under this category.

Conclusion

For a successful international shipment, the above are a few import-export customs clearance documents required to be processed and submitted. Buying marine or cargo insurance online can help the importer or the exporter with a quick and hassle-free policy with speedy claims.

View More

Marine Insurance Premium Calculator

Select Commodity

Select Mode of Transport

Cover Amount Required

Calculate

Why Buy From Policybazaar

Marine Insurance Companies

Reliance Marine

View more insurers

Disclaimer: Above mentioned insurers are arranged in alphabetical order. Policybazaar.com does not endorse, rate, or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by an insurer.

Commercial Insurance Products

Group Health Insurance

Marine Insurance

Cargo Insurance

Workmen Compensation Insurance

Professional Indemnity

Fire Insurance

Shop Insurance

Comprehensive Liability Insurance

Construction All Risk

Erection All Risk

Cyber Insurance

Directors & Officers Insurance

Contractor's Plant & Machinery

Office Package Policy

Group Personal Accident Insurance

Group Life Term Insurance

Drone Insurance

We don't spam

View plans

By clicking on " Check Your Premium Now " you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use

Marine Insurance Articles

Popular Articles
Recent Articles

Why Is Insuring Your Household Articles Important During Transit?

Why Is Insuring Your Household Articles Important During Transit?

When moving to a new home, safeguarding your household articles during transit is crucial. Transit insurance...Read more

27 Oct 2020 by Policybazaar 14310 Views

Warranties in Marine Insurance

Warranties in Marine Insurance

Warranties in marine insurance are referred to as assurance of coverage provided by the insurer. It outlines the...Read more

20 Jul 2023 by Policybazaar 7347 Views

Types of Marine Losses

Types of Marine Losses

In the shipping business, different types of losses can happen. Marine insurance helps manage these risks by...Read more

23 Nov 2022 by Policybazaar 11485 Views

Difference between Marine Open Cover & Marine Open Policy

Difference between Marine Open Cover & Marine Open Policy

Marine insurance and its advantages cannot be ignored if you are in a shipping business or your business needs...Read more

19 Aug 2022 by Policybazaar 9059 Views

Insurance for Transporting Goods in India

Insurance for Transporting Goods in India

In the intricate web of India's transport industry, the movement of goods plays a vital role in driving the...Read more

03 Nov 2023 by Policybazaar 3609 Views

International Cargo Clauses & Inland Transit Clauses in Marine...

International Cargo Clauses & Inland Transit Clauses in Marine...

Marine insurance coverage is divided into two types. One is International Cargo Clause (ICC) and the second is the...Read more

13 Aug 2022 by Policybazaar 11078 Views

6 Not to Forget Principles of Marine Insurance

6 Not to Forget Principles of Marine Insurance

The principles of marine insurance are essential for maintaining fairness and consistency in the delivery of...Read more

10 Feb 2020 by Policybazaar 15102 Views

What is Carrier Legal Liability Insurance?

What is Carrier Legal Liability Insurance?

Within the transportation industry, where goods traverse vast distances across different modes of transport,...Read more

29 Apr 2024 by Policybazaar 3063 Views

Inland Transit vs Marine Cargo insurance

Inland Transit vs Marine Cargo insurance

If your business involves the transportation of finished or unfinished goods or raw materials, you probably need a...Read more

15 Nov 2022 by Policybazaar 6202 Views

Incoterms Explained Marine Insurance

Incoterms Explained Marine Insurance

Incoterms or International commercial terms are some standard terms published by the ICC (International Chamber of...Read more

10 Aug 2023 by Policybazaar 4398 Views

Transit Insurance for Delivery Business

Transit Insurance for Delivery Business

Whenever goods and commodities are on the move, they are at risk of damage. A logistics company's reputation can...Read more

28 Feb 2024 by Policybazaar 2268 Views

What is Freight Insurance?

What is Freight Insurance?

In addition to the basic carrier policy, a Freight insurance policy will provide additional protection for your...Read more

18 Mar 2019 by Policybazaar 24922 Views

Voyage Charter Vs Time Charter

Voyage Charter Vs Time Charter

The shipping industry relies heavily on chartering, essentially the leasing of vessels between shipowners and...Read more

29 Mar 2024 by Policybazaar 3219 Views

What do Perils of the Sea Mean in Marine Insurance?

What do Perils of the Sea Mean in Marine Insurance?

Transporting goods across the vast expanse of oceans comes with inherent risks. Perils of the sea, a term used in...Read more

05 Apr 2024 by Policybazaar 3580 Views

12 Documents Required for Exporting Goods from India

12 Documents Required for Exporting Goods from India

In foreign trade, the significance of proper documentation...Read more

09 Jun 2025 by Policybazaar 161 Views

What is Export?

What is Export?

Export is the sale of goods and services manufactured in a...Read more

30 Apr 2025 by Policybazaar 305 Views

Types of Shipping Containers with Size & Dimensions

Types of Shipping Containers with Size & Dimensions

Shipping containers have evolved over the years. Now, businesses...Read more

25 Apr 2025 by Policybazaar 310 Views

How to Choose the Right Shipping Line in 2025: Top 5 Key Factors

How to Choose the Right Shipping Line in 2025: Top 5 Key Factors

Selecting the right shipping line is crucial for Indian...Read more

07 Apr 2025 by Policybazaar 465 Views

How to Create a Freight Forwarding RFP for Shipping?

How to Create a Freight Forwarding RFP for Shipping?

RFP, or Request for Proposal in freight forwarding, is a formal...Read more

03 Apr 2025 by Policybazaar 438 Views

What is Pallet Shipping?

What is Pallet Shipping?

Pallet shipping is a mode of transporting goods using pallets to...Read more

02 Apr 2025 by Policybazaar 447 Views

What are High Cube Containers in Shipping?

What are High Cube Containers in Shipping?

‘High Cube containers’ is a category of shipping containers...Read more

02 Apr 2025 by Policybazaar 460 Views

International Shipping - How to Start Shipping Internationally From...

International Shipping - How to Start Shipping Internationally From...

Expanding your business to international markets can be a...Read more

01 Apr 2025 by Policybazaar 468 Views

Products to Export from India

Products to Export from India

India has largely been an agricultural economy but has turned...Read more

18 Mar 2025 by Policybazaar 791 Views

Modes of Transportation Covered Under Marine Insurance

Modes of Transportation Covered Under Marine Insurance

Marine insurance is essential for protecting goods during...Read more

23 Oct 2024 by Policybazaar 1251 Views

What is Carrier Legal Liability Insurance?

What is Carrier Legal Liability Insurance?

Within the transportation industry, where goods traverse vast...Read more

29 Apr 2024 by Policybazaar 3063 Views

Accumulation Clause in Marine Insurance

Accumulation Clause in Marine Insurance

The accumulation clause in marine insurance is a crucial...Read more

05 Apr 2024 by Policybazaar 2169 Views

What do Perils of the Sea Mean in Marine Insurance?

What do Perils of the Sea Mean in Marine Insurance?

Transporting goods across the vast expanse of oceans comes with...Read more

05 Apr 2024 by Policybazaar 3580 Views

Shipping Insurance for High-Value Items

Shipping Insurance for High-Value Items

Shipping insurance for high-value items is crucial to mitigate...Read more

03 Apr 2024 by Policybazaar 2437 Views

Intermediate Storage in Marine Insurance

Intermediate Storage in Marine Insurance

Intermediate storage in marine insurance plays a crucial role in...Read more

03 Apr 2024 by Policybazaar 1928 Views

Policybazaar for Business - Marine Insurance - Customer Reviews

View all 114 reviews

View all

4.3

out of 5

Based on 114 reviews

14 users

87 users

13 users

0 users

0 users

3.8 April 20, 2023

Anas

Great Experience

I recently purchased Marine insurance from Policybazaar for my shipping business and I must say I am thoroughly impressed with their service and coverage. From start to finish, the experience has been smooth and hassle-free.Thankyou.

Mizoram

4.3 April 03, 2023

Vaishnav

Provides Comprehensive Protection

When it comes to coverage, Marine insurance that i bought from PolicyBazaar has exceeded my expectations. It provides comprehensive protection for my cargo and vessels during transit, ensuring I can focus on my business operations with peace of mind. Thankyou.

Assam

4.3 March 17, 2023

Umang

Excellent Services

I highly recommend Marine insurance from PolicyBazaar website to anyone in the shipping or logistics industry. Their user-friendly website, comprehensive coverage, and excellent customer service make them stand out from the competition. With Policybazaar, I feel confident in navigating the high seas, knowing that my business is well-protected. Thank you, Policybazaar.

Chennai

4.3 February 28, 2023

Vishal

User Friendly Interface

The website's user-friendly interface made it easy to compare different plans and find the perfect fit for my business needs.Thanks

Gurugram

4.3 February 11, 2023

Parth

Prompt Services

I appreciate the transparency and honesty with which Policybazaar handled my claims. They were prompt in processing my claim and their claim settlement process was hassle-free.Thanks PolicyBazaar.

Noida

3.8 February 10, 2023

Rishabh

Exceeds Expectations

I recently had the pleasure of purchsing marine insurance from Policy bazaar website and I must say it has been an outstnding experience from start to finish. I am thrilled to share my positive customer review, as this truly exceeded my expectations. Thanks PB.

Jamshedpur

3.8 January 31, 2023

Arvind

Easy Navigation

The ease of navigating the Policy bazaar website and finding the right marine insurance policy was impressive. The website's user-friendly interface and intuitive design made it incredibly simple to compare various options, understand the coverage details and make an informed decision. I appreciated the transparency provided throughout the process. Thanks.

Ajmer

3.8 January 21, 2023

Vishal

Excellent Support

The customer service provided by Policy bazaar was decent. Their team was responsive, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to assist me at every step. Their professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction were truly commendable.Thankyou.

Mumbai

4.3 January 11, 2023

Sanjeev Rathor

Efficient Process

When it came to claims processing, Policy bazaar demonstrated remarkable eficiency and effectivenes. I had an unfortunate incident during the coverage period and filing a claim was a breeze. The entire process was streamlined and their team guided me throuugh every necssary step, making it hassle-free. The promptness with which my claim was setled reflected their commitment to their customers' well-being and peace of mind. Thankyou.

Pune

3.8 January 01, 2023

Kunal

Comprehensive Coverage

I must mention the comprehensive coverage provided by the marine insurance policy I purchasd through Policy bazaar. It offered me the necesary protection and peace of mind. Thankyou PolicyBazaar.

Indore

114 Review Item

Disclaimers⁺
*Savings of 42% are based on the comparison between the highest and lowest premiums for a Rs 50 lakh sum insured under Inland Transit Clause B or Institute Cargo Clause B for single transit cover of auto spare parts with shipment type of Inland(Domestic) and road as mode of transport. Premium varies on the basis of Occupancy, Business Activity & Coverage Type
By clicking on "View Plans" you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use and also provide us a formal mandate to represent you to the insurer and communicate to you the grant of a cover.
The details of insurance coverage, inclusions and exclusions are subject to change as per solutions offered by insurance providers. The content has been curated based on the general practices in the industry. Policybazaar is not responsible for the factual correctness of these details.