Rohan Sewani

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<a></a>MT103 vs MT202: What Do These SWIFT Messages Mean?

MT103 and MT202 are two SWIFT message types used in international payments, but they perform different functions. One carries the payment instructions, while the other supports settlement between banks.

An MT103 is the customer payment message. It contains the information needed to transfer money from one party to another, including the sender, beneficiary, payment amount, currency, and payment references. When an overseas client pays an Indian business, the MT103 identifies who should receive the funds.

An MT202 serves a different purpose. It is used by financial institutions to move funds between banks during the settlement process. In simple terms, the MT103 tells banks where the money should go, while the MT202 helps participating banks settle the payment behind the scenes.

The MT103 is for businesses and individuals, while the MT202 is for banks. The MT103 is the message most relevant to businesses because it connects the payment to the beneficiary, and is commonly used to verify incoming payments, reconcile invoices, and investigate delays.

The MT202, on the other hand, is primarily used by correspondent banks, treasury teams, and settlement operations. Most businesses receiving international payments never interact directly with an MT202 message, because its fields are used internally by banks.

In cover payment structures, banks use an MT202 COV alongside the MT103. When you compare MT202 vs MT202 COV, the latter includes information relating to the underlying customer transfer, giving intermediary banks greater visibility into the payment chain.

An <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/mt103-what-is-it-why-it-matters-and-how-to-get-one">MT103</a> contains customer payment information, including beneficiary details (Field 59), remittance information such as invoice references (Field 70), and charge instructions (Field 71A).

An MT202 contains settlement information between financial institutions, including transaction references, value dates, currencies, amounts, and beneficiary institution details. Its purpose is to facilitate fund movement between banks rather than communicate payment instructions to the final recipient.

<a></a>MT103 vs MT202: A Detailed Comparison

Although MT103 and MT202 work together in many international transfers, they serve different purposes.

The MT103 is the customer payment instruction that identifies the sender, beneficiary, payment amount, and remittance details. Combined with the UETR (Unique End-to-End Transaction Reference), it also helps banks trace the payment across the SWIFT network. It is the message behind invoice payments, salary transfers, and freelancer remittances.

The MT202 only confirms that funds moved between banks, handling correspondent settlements and the funding leg of cover payments. It contains no beneficiary details, so it cannot confirm that you are the intended recipient of a transfer. End customers typically do not interact with MT202 messages because they are used for interbank settlement.

<a></a>How Does MT103 and MT202 Work Together? Serial vs. Cover Method

Most international payments do not travel directly from the sender's bank to yours. The two banks often have no direct relationship, especially across countries and currencies. So, the payment moves through one or more correspondent banks along the way.

Depending on the structure, the payment can be processed as serial or cover payment.

However, because the MT103 arrives at the beneficiary bank before the MT202 COV settlement does, there is a timing gap. The beneficiary bank knows a payment is on its way, but cannot release the funds until the money actually arrives through the settlement channel. So the client genuinely believes they have paid because the instruction has been sent, while the exporter still sees nothing credited.

The immediate question that arises is, what is mt202 swift message? When a payment is missing or arrives short, the MT202 COV, together with the MT103 and UETR, helps banks trace the payment through the settlement chain during an investigation.

In a cover payment, correspondent banks handle the settlement leg.

For example, banks like JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, or Bank of New York Mellon frequently sit in the middle of international dollar transfers and may deduct processing charges before passing funds along. The client's bank shows $2,000 sent. Your account shows $1,970 credited. Neither figure is wrong. The $30 was taken somewhere in the middle. The receiving bank may not immediately identify where the deduction occurred because multiple correspondent banks may be involved in the payment chain.

This is the problem with cover payments. The deduction is real, but tracing it means working back through the MT202 COV trail, which takes time and requires cooperation from multiple institutions.

MT103 vs MT202: Which SWIFT Message Counts as Proof of Payment?

When a payment is delayed, there is usually one underlying question: Is there any evidence that the funds were actually directed to the right account?

For businesses receiving international payments, the MT103 answers that. It contains the beneficiary's details, account number, payment amount, currency, and remittance references. It is a record of where the money was supposed to go.

An MT202 does not do this. It confirms that funds moved between financial institutions during settlement. However, it says nothing about which customer account was the intended destination.

As a result, MT202 COV was introduced to increase transparency by providing intermediary banks with originator and beneficiary information for AML and sanctions screening. Banks use it to get visibility into the underlying payment, which is useful for compliance, but not useful as beneficiary-level proof.

If your payment is missing, the following steps can help you track it:

Is MT202 Being Discontinued After ISO 20022?

No. SWIFT completed its <a href="https://www.swift.com/swift-resource/252473/download">migration to ISO 20022</a> in November 2025. Under the new standard, MT103 maps to pacs.008 and MT202 maps to pacs.009. Although the underlying messaging standard has changed, banks continue using MT103 and MT202 terminology in customer-facing documents and portals.

For most exporters, the change is largely technical. The message names and formats are changing, but correspondent banking, settlement processes, compliance reviews, and payment investigations remain part of international transfers.

If you encounter pacs.008 or pacs.009 in the future, they are simply the ISO 20022 equivalents of MT103 and MT202.

How Does Skydo Simplify International Payment Collection?

Requesting MT103 copies, tracing payments through correspondent banks, investigating deductions, decoding charge codes, and chasing FIRA documentation eat up hours and generate no revenue. With Skydo, you skip all of it.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo</a> routes collections through local payment rails, while also supporting international SWIFT transfers. Indian freelancers, exporters, agencies, and businesses can open an account in just 5 minutes and receive payments through free virtual accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AUD, CAD, or tap into over 32 currencies via an international SWIFT fallback ledger.

The pricing gap from traditional options is significant. Traditional banks and payment platforms often combine transfer fees, correspondent banking charges, and foreign exchange markups, making the total cost difficult to predict in advance. Skydo's fees are flat and disclosed upfront:

Incoming transfers show up on a single dashboard with real-time status and predictable settlement timelines. On the Skydo dashboard, you get FIRA certificates automatically and instantly, for every eligible international transaction.

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A shipping bill is a mandatory customs document that needs to be filed with the Indian Customs when you export goods out of India. This document contains value, quantity, nature of the goods, destination country and other details about the exported goods that you are shipping out of the country.

Once submitted, Customs reviews the details provided. They check the declared value of the goods and verify if any duty, cess, or export-related benefits apply. They also conduct the required compliance checks before allowing the shipment to move ahead.

After completing these checks, Customs issues the Let Export Order (LEO). This order gives permission for the carrier to move the export cargo out of India.

The shipping bill also plays an important role even after customs clearance. Exporters can use it to claim benefits such as duty drawback and GST refunds. Banks also refer to this document to verify export proceeds under FEMA regulations.

<a></a>Why is the Shipping Bill Important?

A shipping bill serves as a crucial reference throughout the export journey. Beyond custom clearance, it helps exporters claim export-related benefits, receive GST refunds and ensure compliance with foreign payment regulations.

Let us understand its importance and the role it plays in detail:

As an exporter, until you submit a shipping bill to the customs by yourself or via a CHA, your goods cannot move out of India. It applies to any shipment mode, whether it is via air, land or sea. It connects your invoice, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/packing-list-export">packing list</a> and transport details to ensure you are shipping the same goods you are declaring in that bill.

<a></a>Duty Drawback and Incentives for Exports

Based on the accurate data in a shipping bill, exporters receive the benefits of different incentive schemes. These schemes typically include a Duty Drawback, <a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2001049&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=2">Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL)</a>, and Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP). Incorrect information in this bill may result in a delay or rejection of claims.

Suppose an exporter has made exports with IGST payment and filed the bill online through ICEGATE. Here, the ICEGATE shipping bill acts as a deemed refund application. Once the details in the bill match the GST return details by that exporter, the system (e.g. ICEGATE) automatically processes the IGST refund. It eliminates a separate refund application.

The bill is further important as it helps banks to track export proceeds against a certain shipping bill using systems linked with the RBI. This allows exporters to receive foreign currency payments within the prescribed timeline.

The typical workflow of a shipping bill for exports follows a series of structured steps. It begins with registering the required export details for Customs verification and approval.

From submitting the required information to receiving the final clearance, every step ensures that the goods comply with export regulations before leaving India.

<a></a>What Are the Types of Shipping Bills in Export?

Different types of shipping bills, including free, dutiable and ex-bond, are used based on the nature of the export, applicable duties and benefits being claimed by the exporter.

Each category serves a specific purpose, from duty-free exports to claiming incentives or re-exporting goods. Let us look at the different types of shipping bills and their uses in detail:

In terms of exports, customs requires this bill to move the physical goods out of India. If something that is not tangible crosses the Indian border, it does not require this bill. Hence, companies (SaaS companies), businesses, and freelancers that export services usually do not need to file this with the Indian customs.

However, for the export of software and services, their respective compliance shifts to the RBI reporting from customs. Here, you may wonder what should be produced instead of a shipping bill for exporting services. For this service, exporters submit a SOFTEX form containing client details, invoice value, foreign currency earnings, etc.

In essence, the Software Export Declaration or the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/softex-form-guide-indian-exporters">SOFTEX form</a> is the shipping bill for software or service export industries in India. However, this form is set to be replaced by a unified <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/export-declaration-form">Export Declaration Form</a> (EDF) from 1 October 2026.

<a></a>How to File a Shipping Bill on ICEGATE: A Step-by-Step Guide

Filing a shipping bill on ICEGATE is now a digital process where exporters submit shipment details, upload supporting documents and complete customs verification before export clearance.

<a></a>The process moves from initial registration and document filing to risk assessment and final approval through the Let Export Order (LEO). Let us go through each step in detail:

<a></a>Step 1: Registration and Prerequisites

As an exporter, obtain the DGFT-issued Import Export Code (IEC). Get your AD Code letter from your bank, log in to the ICEGATE portal and submit your AD code.

<a></a>Step 2: Document Submission and Data Entry

Submit your shipping bill details electronically through ICEGATE. Upload documents such as invoices, packing lists, and export contracts through e-Sanchit. The ICEGATE portal uses e-Sanchit as its portal to upload documents for customs processing. The system then generates a checklist for you to review and confirm before processing continues.

<a></a>Step 3: Assessment and Verification

The Risk Management System of the Indian Customs reviews your shipment details. Here, low-risk consignments typically get clearance through self-assessment without intervention. High-risk consignment may require physical examination of cargo and further assessment of documents at the port.

Post verification and payment of duties, a Customs officer issues the LEO. It authorises exporters to load goods onto the vessel or aircraft for export. Customs generates the final shipping bill only after an LEO issuance. Once exporters complete the LEO and their carrier files <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/egm-icegatehttps://www.skydo.com/blog/egm-icegatehttps://www.skydo.com/blog/egm-icegate">EGM</a>, their AD bank tracks export payment realisation against that bill number.

Managing export payments efficiently after shipping bill filing is equally important. Platforms like <a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo</a> help exporters simplify cross-border payment collection with flat fees, real-time tracking, and free FIRC support for every transaction.

<a></a>What Documents Are Required to File a Shipping Bill?

Here are some key or crucial documents that you must keep ready while filing this bill to authorise your exports:

Note: You can now upload all shipping bill documents digitally through e-Sanchit. Hence, physical document submission at Customs counters is no longer the primary process.

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A shipping bill includes several important export details, such as the exporter and buyer information for shipment identification. Goods description and HS code for product classification, and declared value for Customs assessment.&nbsp;

This document also includes details of the port of loading, destination country, and mode of transport for shipment tracking. Customs uses this bill for export clearance and cargo loading approval.

From the perspective of an exporter, it is used to claim duty drawback benefits, initiate the GST refund process and report foreign remittance details for RBI compliance.

<a></a>What are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Shipping Bill?

Here are some common mistakes that you must be aware of and avoid for a successful filing:

<a></a>How Skydo Helps after Filing a Shipping Bill?

After Customs generates the LEO, an exporter must receive overseas payments and obtain FIRC certificates. Here, many exporters face delays and banking hassles.

Skydo assists Indian exporters in receiving foreign payments through free virtual accounts in currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AUD, and CAD.

We follow transaction-based pricing from $19, and provide free FIRC certificates for every payment. Skydo supports bulk shipping bill uploads, IRM auto-matching, and one-click eBRC generation.

With Skydo, get your virtual account within 5 minutes. Enjoy features like a zero forex margin, an instant FIRA, a flat fee and more and streamline your export payments!

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An IGST scroll is an electronic payment document generated by the Customs department after authorizing an exporter’s Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) refund claim. Because GST classifies exports as zero-rated supplies, any IGST paid at the time of shipment is eligible for a refund.

Customs generate the IGST scroll only when you file and verify the following four documents:

Customs uses the Indian Customs EDI System (ICES) to cross-reference the data across these four inputs. When the data makes a perfect match, Customs generates a unique scroll number asking banks to disburse the approved refund amount directly to your bank account.

You check your IGST scroll status because the ICES system processes refunds automatically but does not alert you when something goes wrong, so an unnoticed mismatch can stall your refund indefinitely.

Proactive tracking lets you predict when a sanctioned refund will hit your account, catch errors like an invoice mismatch early, and confirm your bank account has cleared the mandatory PFMS validation needed for payout. The ICES is an efficient system, but it doesn't alert you in case of mismatches. You must track the status proactively to stay on top of IGST refunds.

<a></a>What Happens If You Don’t Check?

Suppose your logistics team logs an invoice as “EXP-500” on the shipping bill, but your accountant enters “500” in GSTR-1. Without checking your status, you wouldn’t know that this tiny mismatch triggered a SB005 error, keeping your money trapped in the customs system until you file a data amendment.

<a></a>How to Check IGST Scroll Status Online?

You can track your IGST scroll status online through the GST Portal and ICEGATE. Your refund moves through two stages: first, your data migrates from the tax department to Customs, and second, Customs authorizes the payment.

Track IGST scroll status on the GST Portal

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Source: <a href="https://tutorial.gst.gov.in/userguide/refund/Track_Refund_Status_for_IGST_paid_on_account_of_Export_of_Goods.htm">GST Portal</a>

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<a></a>Track IGST scroll status on ‌ICEGATE

<a></a>What are the Types of IGST Scroll Statuses?

IGST scroll statuses fall into three groups: the two overall scroll outcomes that tell you if your refund is cleared (Sanctioned or Pending/Failed), the customs response codes from SB000 to SB006 that pinpoint exactly what failed during validation, and the PFMS bank validation outcomes that decide whether a sanctioned amount actually reaches your account. Reading all three together tells you exactly where your money is at any point. This section covers each in turn.

<a></a>Understanding Your IGST Scroll Outcomes

After you click on Search, the portal will display one of the two outcomes:

If your status isn't "Sanctioned," you will see a specific error code. Each code requires a different fix to get your refund back on track:

<a></a>Final Bank Verification: PFMS Outcomes

After clearing the error codes, the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) must validate your bank account before disbursing the refund amount. Here are the most common outcomes you can expect to see:

<a></a>What are the common reasons for IGST Refund delays?

The most common reasons for IGST refund delays are data mismatches between your GSTR-1 and shipping bill, the carrier not filing the Export General Manifest (EGM), PFMS bank account validation failures, regulatory alerts on your Import Export Code (IEC), missing Aadhaar authentication on the GST portal, and gaps where the IGST paid in your GSTR-3B is less than what you declared in GSTR-1. Each is explained below, with the fix for each:

Minor typos in invoice numbers, port codes, or GSTINs between the GSTR-1 and shipping bill can cause delay. Even an inconsistency in tax values or an extra character in an invoice will put the automated system off from matching the details.

Customs will not release the scroll until the carrier files the Export General Manifest (EGM). It will remain in the pending state until your shipping carrier files the EGM.

The Public Financial Management System (PFMS) must validate your bank account at the final stage. Failures can occur because of inactive accounts, incorrect IFSC codes, or a mismatch between the entity’s PAN name and bank records.

Any active investigation, compliance flag, or suspension on your Import Export Code (IEC) stops all pending refund allocations. Resolve these jurisdictional alerts and have the suspension revoked to resume processing your scroll.

Missing Aadhaar authentication on the GST portal prevents your invoice data from being shared with ICEGATE. Without this transmission, Customs cannot see your refund claim

If the cumulative IGST paid in your GSTR-3B summary is less than what you declared in your GSTR-1 invoice details, the refund will be delayed. Pay the remaining tax liability to resume the refund process.

While IGST refund delays can take weeks of waiting, your international payments can be relatively quicker with the help of Skydo.

Skydo simplifies both international collections and regulatory compliance:

Set up virtual accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AUD, and CAD in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. Your clients pay you via local transfer networks, bypassing the high SWIFT fees and hidden markups.

Skydo auto-generates a free digital Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA) for every transaction. FIRA is critical for GST refund audits and tax assessments.

Bulk upload your shipping bills, and Skydo will map them with the right payments. In one click, you can generate an Electronic Bank Realization Certificate (eBRC) and stay compliant without delays.

You get flat pricing: under $2,000 = $19 flat; $2,000–$10,000 = $29 flat; over $10,000 = 0.3%. There are no currency conversion charges or hidden markups like banks or PayPal, which can shave off 5-10% of your income.

Sounds worth trying? Sign up to create your free account.

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A consignor is the party that originates and ships the goods. The term carries the same meaning across nearly every shipping and customs document. In Indian exports, this role almost always falls to the exporter of record, such as a factory, a manufacturer, a distributor, or a seller handling the shipment directly.

Carrier paperwork often labels this same party the “shipper.” Most of the time, the two words point to the same entity. There is one exception worth flagging, i.e., some shipping agreements name a freight forwarder as the shipper even though the forwarder is acting on the consignor's behalf. When that happens, the name printed on the document is not necessarily the name that owns the goods.

The <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/bill-of-lading">bill of lading</a> is issued once the carrier receives the goods, and is issued to the shipper/consignor or its authorised agent, depending on the shipping arrangement. Of all the shipping documents, this is the single one that names every party in the chain, i.e., consignor, consignee, notify party, and carrier, together on one page.

A consignee is the party that receives the goods at the final destination, typically the buyer, or the importer of record. This party does not have to be an individual. It could be a company, an agent appointed by the buyer, or even the buyer's bank.

Ownership transfer depends on the terms agreed between the parties. The consignor ships the goods, while the consignee receives them as specified in the transport and sale documents.

Most deals keep this simple, i.e., the consignee is the final buyer. Triangular trade and drop-shipping arrangements complicate things, since the consignee may instead be an intermediary nominated by the buyer, while a separate 'notify party', such as a clearing agent, may also be named on the Bill of Lading.

A consignor sends or ships goods, while a consignee receives them at the destination. The two parties differ mainly in their responsibilities related to shipment handling, documentation, payment terms, risk allocation, and customs compliance.

Consigner vs Consignee: A Real World Example

TechDocs Pvt. Ltd., a Bengaluru-based documentation firm, ships a physical archive of project records to its US client, Acme Corp. by courier.

In this shipment, TechDocs acts as the consignor because it initiates the export process, prepares the documents, and hands over the shipment to the carrier. Acme Corp. is the consignee because it receives the shipment at the destination and manages the required import formalities. Furthermore, we see:

Note: The name "TechDocs Pvt. Ltd." must appear consistently across the shipping bill, commercial invoice, and remittance documents, as mismatches can delay FIRA issuance and payment processing.

The consignor’s main duties are to manage documentation, arrange the movement of goods, coordinate shipment requirements, and arrange insurance where required under the agreed trade terms.

What Are the Rights and Liabilities of a Consignor?

A consignor’s rights include retaining ownership of goods until transfer conditions are met and claiming compensation for loss or damage, while their liabilities include maintaining accurate documents and complying with carrier terms. These rights and liabilities are governed by the contract of carriage and the sale agreement.

A consignee is responsible for receiving the shipment, completing import formalities, arranging delivery and storage, and confirming receipt of goods to the consignor.

What Are the Rights and Liabilities of a Consignee?

A consignee’s rights include taking delivery of goods, receiving rights under the transport document, and claiming against the carrier for loss or damage. Their liabilities depend on the obligations agreed under the transport and sale contracts.

What Are Common Mistakes in Consignment Handling?

The most common mistakes in consignment handling include incomplete documentation, poor packaging, failure to inspect goods during handover, and misunderstanding when liability transfers. These issues can lead to customs delays, payment disputes, and difficulty assigning responsibility for losses.

How Does Incoterms Affect Payment Collection for Indian Exporters?

Incoterms affect payment collection for Indian exporters by determining when risk transfers, who controls shipping responsibilities, and which documents are required to support payment release through banks.

Under FOB, the exporter’s risk ends once the goods are loaded on board the vessel at the Indian port (such as JNPT, Mundra, or Chennai). After this, the buyer bears the risk of loss or damage during transit. The exporter typically provides the on-board bill of lading as part of the required shipping documents, which can support payment release under agreed banking arrangements. This gives exporters better control over transit-related disputes.

CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)

Here, the exporter takes on ocean freight and insurance through to the destination port. Buyers tend to like the quote, though capital gets tied up in upfront costs, and if damage occurs mid-transit, filing the insurance claim falls to the exporter.

EXW (Ex Works) or FCA (Free Carrier)

Under EXW, risk generally transfers when the seller makes the goods available at the agreed place. Under FCA, risk transfers when the seller delivers the goods to the carrier or agreed delivery point. Losing control of the cargo this early makes a Letter of Credit harder to arrange, and there is not much room to intervene if the buyer defaults or raises a dispute. This term works best with trusted buyers or on advance payment.

Under DDP, the exporter bears responsibility for delivery, logistics costs, and import duties in the buyer's country until the goods reach the agreed destination. Capital stays locked up for weeks, and delays in customs clearance or foreign tax processing can delay export proceeds realisation and create compliance challenges under RBI requirements.

Key Principle: An Incoterm defines when risk transfers and allocates responsibilities for transport, insurance, customs clearance, and related costs between the buyer and seller. Terms such as FOB, CIF, and <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/cnf-in-export">CNF</a> help exporters understand these responsibilities. Clear documentation and contract clauses help reduce the likelihood of disputes.

Skydo helps Indian exporters receive international payments from overseas customers through a simpler payment process, transparent fees, and automated compliance documentation. For Indian consignors shipping goods or services abroad, it reduces the complexity of collecting export proceeds from foreign consignees.

Once goods or services are delivered to a foreign customer, collecting payment across borders can involve multiple charges and processes. Skydo enables exporters to receive payments through a streamlined digital platform with transparent pricing. Additionally, it offers:

Exporters can complete the setup online without manual paperwork or repeated follow-ups for payment tracking and documentation.

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<a></a>What Is an Export General Manifest?

An Export General Manifest is a document legally filed with the Indian Customs by the shipping line, airlines or their authorised agent after departure of the vessel/aircraft from India.

Think of it as Customs' confirmation that the export process has been successfully carried out. An Export General Manifest will not be acknowledged until the export process is fully closed in the customs system.

In contrast to a shipping bill that is submitted before the export process, the export general manifest (EGM) is always submitted after the shipment process. It is submitted after the loading of the cargo and the departure of the vessel/aircraft.

Once Customs accepts the EGM, it matches the information with the shipping bill. This allows the shipping bill to be closed and enables <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/claim-export-incentives-india">exporters to claim</a> benefits such as GST refunds, duty drawback, and RoDTEP incentives.

Today, most exporters use the electronic filing system through ICEGATE. However, manual filing may still be used at certain land customs stations where electronic filing isn't available.

<a></a>Key Characteristics of an Export General Manifest

<a></a>Why Is an Export General Manifest Important?

An Export General Manifest (EGM) is important because it confirms that goods have physically left India, enables shipping bill closure, allows exporters to claim GST refunds and export incentives, and helps Customs verify export records.

Without an accepted EGM, the export transaction remains incomplete, delaying post-export benefits and compliance processes.

The biggest benefit of filing the Export General Manifest is that it allows your shipping bill to be closed. Until that happens, several post-export processes remain on hold.

Banks also depend upon the EGM status while clearing export-related documentation, such as the Bank Realisation Certificate (BRC). In case the shipping bill is still open, these procedures may also be delayed.

Customs uses the Export General Manifest to verify that the consignment of goods recorded in the shipping bill has actually been exported.

The EGM also records cases where goods listed on the shipping bill were not loaded onto the vessel or aircraft, ensuring customs records remain accurate.

<a></a>Who Files an Export General Manifest?

The carrier files the EGM, not the exporter. Depending on the mode of transport, this may be the shipping line, airline, or their authorised agent. The EGM is submitted to Customs after the goods have been exported to confirm that they have physically left India. The Export General Manifest is filed by:

Though exporters do not file the EGM, they have to provide correct shipment details before export from India. This includes shipping bill number, exporter and consignee details, port codes, number of packages, gross weight, and voyage or flight details.

If any of these details don't match the carrier's records, the EGM may be rejected, delaying shipping bill closure and export benefits.

The filing timeline depends on the mode of transport:

While it is the duty of the carrier to submit, it would be better for exporters to follow up to ensure that the EGM has been filed in time.

The late filing of an EGM may affect the refund of GST and duty drawback, along with other export benefits. It's always worth checking the filing status with your shipping line or freight forwarder.

<a></a>What Is the Export General Manifest Format?

The Export General Manifest (EGM) format consists of four prescribed sections or forms: General Declaration (Form I), Passenger Manifest (Form II), Cargo Manifest (Form III), and List of Private Property (Form IV). Together, these forms capture shipment, voyage, passenger, cargo, and other details required by Customs to verify exported goods.

This form contains all the basic information regarding the shipment, such as voyage/flight information, port of clearance, and a brief description of cargo.

This form contains all the information about the vessel or flight, such as movement information and any statutory information.

This is the most important section in the document for the exporter, as this part has all the shipment information verified by Customs against the shipping bill.

It generally includes the shipping bill number, exporter details, consignee details, cargo description, package count, gross weight, port of destination, and vessel or aircraft details.

Since this information is matched with the shipping bill, even a small error can delay approval.