7 important documents required for import customs clearance in India

[Kaushal Kumar]

Merchandise imported into India should pass through the process of customs for a thorough evaluation, assessment, and appraisal. It enables the custom authority to decide on the amount it needs to impose as tax. Moreover, it also checks the import of any illegal goods. An importer without an IEC number has no right to import goods. But this number is not needed for products that you have imported for your personal use. However, import customs clearance involves a long process. You can hire a custom clearance agent in Mumbai to make this process easier. Most importantly, you have to know the documents needed for customs clearance. 

What documents do you need for importing commodities? 

Customs clearance documents for importing goods in India- 

Bill of Entry- 

It is the major legal document for importers in India. In fact, it indicates the outward remittance of India, controlled by the Customs department and Reserve Bank. Thus, importers need to sign the Bill of Entry and file it. They should file it within a month of the arrival of commodities at the customs site. 

After you have filed the document, a customs official will assess your goods and issue a pass-out order.  

Commercial invoice- 

As it is about your business transaction, you need to show a commercial invoice to appraise your commodity’s value. It enables the officer to compare this value as mentioned in the invoice. This process prevents importers from doing fraudulent activities.  

Import license- 

An import license is essential for customs clearance processes under particular products. The government imports the import of these products, and it has imposed guidelines. Thus, while importing these products, you must show the license.  

Bill of lading- 

It is also known as the Airway bill, which includes delivery details and terms. The carrier of goods (Ship/Air) issues the proof-of-concept. Your Custom Clearance Agent in India will ask you to arrange this document for importing goods.  

Insurance Certificate 

An insurance agency issues this certificate to confirm that your products are covered for damage and loss during transit. Customs authorities also verify the inclusion of insurance in the selling price. It is important to identify the assessable value that calculates the import duty amount. 

 Letter of Credit- 

It is also known as the purchase order, as it reflects different terms of your sale contract. The customs official can check the document and confirm the value assessment. You need to submit a copy of this document for the consignment based on the letter of credit. 

Test Report 

Customs authorities may not be able to analyse the goods’ quality and value. That is why they send a specimen to the authorised government lab for testing purposes. 

LAC Relocations is a reliable India-based company that helps you with a range of services like customs clearance and transportation.