Where the voyage from the last port of call exceeds four days, shippers must file the import manifest at least 48 hours before the vessel enters an Indian port; for shorter voyages, the manifest must be filed at least 10 hours in advance.

Where the flight time is three hours from the last airport, airlines must file the import manifest two hours before the aircraft’s arrival; for short-haul flights, the manifest must be filed prior to arrival.

The manifests should be filed electronically at EDI-enabled customs stations, else on paper at other stations. Filing delays are subject to a penalty of 50,000 rupees (about $1,100).

The rules are similar to the USA’s 24-hour anti-terrorist measures, and whilst they are intended to plug security holes, industry observers claim that Indian ports of entry are ill-equipped to handle electronic filing, and that the rules will create processing delays.

According to the Customs notification, shipping companies and airlines will have to pay a special fee and bond to register the names of persons authorised to file the advance cargo manifests. Apart from vessel and aircraft owners, intermediaries like freight forwarders and consolidators can also file the advance cargo manifest by registering with the customs. This registration is beginning immediately.