What is Out of Charge in Customs? Meaning & Status Check
TL;DR - Summary
- What is OOC in customs? - It is the final customs clearance status issued by Indian Customs that legally authorises imported goods to be released from the port, airport, or other customs station.
- Does OOC apply to exporters? - No. OOC applies only to imports. Exporters get a Let Export Order (LEO) through the Shipping Bill.
- Where does OOC appear? - On the Bill of Entry. Once OOC is issued, an e-OOC Bill of Entry with a QR code is sent to the registered email address of the importer or Customs Broker through ICEGATE.
- How do you check OOC status? - Log in to the ICEGATE portal, go to the Bill of Entry, move to the Job Status or Document Status page, and enter your Bill of Entry details to check the status.
- Can OOC be automated? - Yes. Under CBIC Circular No. 06/2026-Customs, eligible imported consignments may receive a system-generated Out of Charge (OOC) under the automated customs clearance framework, subject to the prescribed conditions.
What Is Out of Charge in Customs (OOC)?
Out of charge in customs, referred to as OOC, is the final clearance process issued by Indian Customs, allowing the imported goods to be taken out of the customs point after paying the respective dues. This process indicates that all duties have been paid, the clearance process of the imported goods is completed, and the importer may take possession of the cargo.
Three points define its scope:
- OOC is purely an import side clearance, which only covers the import of goods into India.
- Let Export Order (LEO) is the corresponding customs clearance issued for export shipments. While OOC applies to imported goods, LEO authorises goods to be exported from India.
- Once Out of Charge (OOC) is granted, the goods are released for home consumption and are no longer under routine customs control, subject to the applicable provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Does OOC in Customs Apply to Indian Exporters?
No, the OOC is only applicable for imports and not for Indian exporters. The OOC is issued only for imported goods coming into the country.
Instead, exporters need a Let Export Order (LEO) as their final customs clearance certificate for exporting goods from India. Receiving an OOC on a Bill of Entry by an importer and a LEO on a Shipping Bill by an exporter are two entirely different documents.
Why Does Out of Charge in Customs Matter?
Out of Charge is important because it allows the importer to take delivery of the goods after customs clearance. It also helps avoid additional storage costs, enables the goods to be used or sold, and allows them to be transported within India. The significance of Out of Charge can be understood under three heads.
Direct Financial Impact
OOC helps importers reduce storage-related costs and enables them to put imported goods into commercial use sooner.
- Helps Minimise Demurrage Charges: Timely receipt of OOC allows the importer to clear the goods sooner, thereby avoiding additional demurrage and storage charges at ports, terminals, and container yards.
- Establishes Customs Duty Liabilities: Ensures that all customs duties, IGST (Integrated Goods & Services Tax), and applicable cesses are paid before goods are released.
- Enables Recovery of Money: Makes it possible for importers to distribute and sell the cargo in the domestic market to recover the invested money.
Legal Status Shift
OOC marks the completion of customs clearance and authorises the release of imported goods from customs control.
- Authorises Release for Home Consumption: Allows the release of goods from customs control for home consumption after import clearance.
- Completes Routine Customs Clearance: Indicates that the required customs examination, scanning and document verification have been completed.
- Allows Domestic Transportation: Creates the necessary documentation for the goods to be transported domestically by truck or train.
Supply Chain Velocity
Faster OOC issuance helps businesses receive imported goods sooner and supports uninterrupted supply chain operations.
- Triggers Auto-OOC Fast Tracks: Eligible consignments may receive an automatically generated OOC without manual officer intervention.
- No Stoppage of Production: This ensures that the raw materials and parts arrive on the production floor before the production line stops.
How Does the Out of Charge (OOC) Process Work in Indian Customs?
The Out of Charge (OOC) process in Indian customs
Hover over a stage to see more.
Pre-arrival preparation
Register on ICEGATE and upload documents before the cargo ships.
Needs a 10-digit IEC from DGFT, carrier KYC, and papers filed via e-Sanchit.
Filing and duty payment
File the Bill of Entry and pay the assessed duty.
Carrier lodges the IGM, then you pay BCD, SWS and IGST on ICEGATE.
Examination and release
Cargo clears its channel and Out of Charge is issued.
Routed Green, Yellow or Red, then collected with the e-Gatepass.
The OOC process in customs India involves three stages: pre-arrival preparation, filing and duty payment, and examination and release of goods.
Pre-Arrival: Registration and Documents
- The importer needs to take the 10-digit Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from the DGFT and register in ICEGATE before the cargo is shipped.
- KYC compliance with the shipping line, airline or customs broker may be required before cargo arrival. Importers may file a Bill of Entry for home consumption or warehousing, depending on how they intend to clear the imported goods.
- All the necessary documents, such as the invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and product-specific permissions (such as BIS or FSSAI approvals), need to be uploaded through e-Sanchit while filing the Bill of Entry, as applicable.
Filing to Clearance
- An Import General Manifest (IGM) is lodged by the carrier, declaring officially that the cargo has reached India.
- The importer can file a Bill of Entry up to 30 days before the expected arrival of the goods for faster clearance. Otherwise, it should be filed before the end of the next day following the day of arrival (excluding holidays), failing which a late presentation fee may apply under the applicable customs regulations.
- The customs authority then assesses the value of the goods and computes the duty payable: Basic Customs Duty (BCD), Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) and IGST.
- Payments of duty may be made through the ICEGATE online portal, while voluntary payments or bond execution may be done at the Turant Suvidha Kendra (TSK) of the port.
- Importers normally use the services of a Customs Broker (CHA) for technical clearance of the documents through the ICES portal.
Examination Channels and Final Release
- Based on the customs risk management system, consignments are routed through Green (minimal intervention), Yellow (document verification), or Red (physical examination) channels before Out of Charge is issued.
- Upon issuance of OOC, an electronic OOC bill of entry with a secure QR code is sent by email to the address listed on the ICEGATE website.
- Following OOC, the importer settles any pending charges for port storage and collects cargo using the e-Gatepass.
How to Check Out of Charge (OOC) Status on ICEGATE?
For OOC status check, customs shipments are tracked on ICEGATE, which is the official digital customs gateway of India. The out of charge customs ICEGATE tracking process takes just a few minutes:
- Step 1: Go to www.icegate.gov.in.
- Step 2: Log in using your registered username along with other security procedures, if any.
- Step 3: Navigate to the Bill of Entry, move to the Job Status or Document Status page and enter the Bill of Entry number, Bill of Entry date, and customs location to check the current status.
- Step 4: View the Bill of Entry status along with other shipment details. If the status shows "Out of Charge", the customs clearance process has been completed.
Two status descriptions need to be considered here:
- OOC Approved: The process is completed, and the items are ready for pick-up.
- Pending Assessment: Customs assessment is still in progress, and OOC has not yet been issued.
When the status is still pending after paying the duty, verify whether there was any question raised by
the customs department or whether the package has been held for any reason.
💡 QUICK INSIGHT
ICEGATE displays the latest available Bill of Entry and OOC status. Check the portal before contacting your Customs Broker (CHA), as the current stage of customs clearance may already be available online.
Which Documents are Needed to Obtain an Out of Charge (OOC) Order?
Obtaining an Out of Charge (OOC) order requires a set of shipping, financial, and product-specific compliance documents to complete customs clearance.
Core Shipping and Transport Documents
These documents establish the shipment details and form the basis for customs clearance and OOC processing.
- Bill of Entry: The primary import declaration filed with Customs, on which the Out of Charge (OOC) order is recorded after clearance.
- Commercial Invoice: The account statement, which shows transaction value and sales conditions for determining duty.
- Packing List: The physical breakdown showing itemised contents, weights, and packing details.
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: The contract of carriage evidencing cargo ownership and transportation conditions.
Financial and Declaration Documents
These documents help Customs verify the importer's identity, assess the import value, and calculate applicable duties.
- Import Export Code (IEC): A mandatory 10-digit code issued by the DGFT for importing goods into India.
- Valuation Declaration (where applicable): Information relating to the value of imported goods furnished through the Bill of Entry as required under customs regulations.
- Insurance Certificate: The certificate used to find the value for which duties have to be calculated.
- Bank AD Code: Proof of the bank which is an authorised dealer for the importer's account.
Product-Specific and Regulatory Documents
These documents demonstrate compliance with product-specific import regulations before Customs issues the OOC order.
- Certificate of Origin: It is required only while claiming the preferential customs duties under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- Licensing/NOCs: Specific licenses related to the product, e.g., FSSAI clearance for food products and BIS license for electronics.
- Test Reports/Catalogs: For technical machinery, chemicals, or other goods which are not standardised.
- Proof of Customs Duty Payment: Evidence of payment made through ICEGATE or other authorised payment modes, as applicable. OOC is issued only after Customs is satisfied that all applicable duties and clearance requirements have been fulfilled.
What Is Automated Out of Charge (OOC) in Customs?
Automated OOC is a system-generated customs approval that allows imported goods to be released from a port, airport, or other customs station without manual intervention by a customs officer, subject to applicable risk management and eligibility conditions.
- How it Is Initiated: When duties have been paid and the electronic checks have cleared without any flags, the ICES will release the Out of Charge (OOC) order.
- Risk-Based Approach: Consignments that have not been chosen for physical screening or compliance checks are processed quickly without any manual intervention.
- Officer Hold: There is an officer hold on the input intelligence data or discrepancies, which can override the automated clearance process.
- Regulatory Backing: Circular No. 06/2026-Customs, issued by the CBIC on 1 February 2026, made provision for the extension of the Auto Out of Charge (OOC) facility to eligible imported consignments under the ICES facility, subject to certain conditions.
- Eligible Consignments: Eligible consignments may receive system-generated Out of Charge under the automated customs clearance framework. Shipments selected for document verification or physical examination continue to follow the prescribed customs clearance process before OOC is granted.
What Is the E-OOC Bill of Entry?
The e-OOC Bill of Entry is an encrypted, QR code enabled PDF document of the final Bill of Entry sent to the registered email address of the importer or Customs Broker through ICEGATE. Some major features include:
- It is automatically issued on issuance of OOC, there is no need for any visit to the service centre or customs office.
- It avoids carrying bulky printouts from the Service Centre and also eliminates the need for keeping physical dockets at Air Cargo Complexes.
- It avoids any direct interaction between customs and importers or Custom Brokers through the process of digitisation of the handing over process.
- The QR code allows port custodians to electronically verify the authenticity of the e-OOC Bill of Entry at the gate.
Out of Charge (OOC) in Customs vs Let Export Order (LEO): Key Differences
The key difference between Out of Charge (OOC) and Let Export Order (LEO) is that OOC is the final customs clearance for imported goods, whereas LEO is the final customs clearance for exported goods. The table below compares OOC and LEO across purpose, applicability, documents, and clearance stage.
| Aspect | Let Export Order (LEO) | Out of Charge (OOC) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Allows goods to proceed for export out of India | Releases goods from customs control upon import |
| Applicable to | Export shipments only | Import shipments |
| Stage in process | Export clearance before goods are loaded | Final customs clearance before goods leave the port/airport on the import side |
| Authority granted | Authorises goods to be loaded for international shipping | Approves physical release of goods to the importer |
| Document it appears on | Shipping Bill | Bill of Entry |
| Key requirements | Compliance with export formalities | Customs duty payment + inspection completion |
| Who initiates | Exporter / CHA on the Shipping Bill | Importer / CHA on the Bill of Entry |
Takeaway
- LEO is applicable only for export cargo, while OOC is applicable for import cargo.
- Both represent final clearances, but they are on opposing ends of the transaction.
- In case you find OOC mentioned in any export documentation, check whether it really means LEO, since there is often confusion between the two, as they both indicate "cleared."
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What does 'out of charge' mean in customs in plain English?
Out of Charge (OOC) means that Indian Customs has completed the import clearance process, all applicable duties and formalities have been completed, and the goods have been released for delivery to the importer.
What does OCC mean on a Bill of Entry — is it the same as OOC?
Does OOC mean my customs duty assessment is final?
How long does the OOC process typically take in India?
Can my shipment be held again after OOC has been granted?
What happens if I don't collect my goods after OOC is granted?
What is a Green, Yellow, or Red channel in customs and how does it affect OOC?
What is the e-Gatepass and how does it relate to OOC?
Who actually issues the OOC order — the importer, the CHA, or customs?
