GLOBAL SELLING BLOG

How to Obtain IGM and track sea IGM status on ICEGATE?

Trade finance uses financial tools to supports international transactions and ensure fulfilment of obligations between exporters and importers by using financial tools. Learn more about trade finance.

A world map with highlighted trade routes and airplanes flying across it.

Imagine you have just expanded your handcrafted jewellery brand to international markets, and orders are pouring in. Your products are on the way, but suddenly, your shipment is held up at customs in the destination country, delaying deliveries and putting your brand’s reputation at risk.

Situations like these highlight the need for precise compliance documentation to ensure smooth customs clearance. The Import General Manifest (IGM) is one of the key documents required for customs clearance at the destination country. In this blog post, we will discuss what IGM is, its role in shipping, and the process of obtaining and tracking it on ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway).

What is Import General Manifest (IGM)

The Import General Manifest (IGM) is a document required by customs authorities which contains detailed information about the cargo entering a country. It contains details about the shipment, including the shipper’s name, consignee’s name, description of the goods, quantity, and any other details deemed relevant ¹. The goods carrier must submit this document at the destination customs facility to facilitate the clearance process and secure the goods’ release from customs.

Role of Import General Manifest in international shipping

The following are some ways in which the IGM streamlines international shipping processes:

1. Facilitates pre-arrival processing:

The IGM provides detailed information about the cargo before its arrival. This enables customs to efficiently inspect and clear shipments, expediting the release process.

2. Enhances cargo security:

IGM data enables customs to identify and screen high-risk shipments, thereby improving security and reducing the risk of illegal and hazardous goods entering the country.

3. Improves trade statistics:

Governments and businesses use IGM to analyze trade flows, import trends, and market dynamics, which informs decision-making and ensures smooth and secure foreign trade.

4. Streamlines port activities:

Port authorities use IGM data to allocate resources, manage congestion, and coordinate cargo movement to streamline operations within ports.²

What are the details included in Import General Manifest (IGM)?

Some key details included in an IGM are as follows:

Vessel information: Ship name, owner’s nationality, and ship’s registration number.

Arrival details: Expected date and time of the ship’s arrival at the port.

Shipper information: Name and address of the shipper, sender, vendor, or manufacturer of the products.

Consignee information: Details of the consignee, such as the name and address of the consignee.

Cargo details: Description of the goods, quantity, weight, and monetary value.

Bill of Lading (B/L) number: A reference ID issued to each shipment to enable tracking.

Port of loading and discharge: The details of the places where the goods were loaded and where they will be unloaded.

How to obtain IGM from ICEGATE?

Indian exporters and carriers can file an IGM through the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE). Users must register and create an account on ICEGATE and log in with their credentials to access the portal. After logging in, the following are some of the steps exporters must complete to file an IGM through ICEGATE:

Step 1: Gather necessary information

Gather all of the information about the shipment such as the vessel name and number, type of shipper and consignee, description of cargo, quantity, etc.

Step 2: Locate webforms

Locate the air or sea IGM webform on ICEGATE depending on the type of transport your cargo is being shipped on. Fill in all required details as per the instructions given on the form.

Step 3: Submit for approval

After checking the information provided, submit the form for approval.

Step 4: Receive confirmation

Once approved, you will receive a confirmation that your IGM is officially filed and can be forwarded to customs.⁴

How to check sea IGM status online?

To monitor the status of your sea IGM, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to ICEGATE

Step 2: Navigate to Sea IGM enquiry

After logging in, navigate to the sea IGM enquiry section.

Step 3: Enter required details

Provide the master BL number and the name of port or location.

Step 4: View status

Enter the details to see the current status of the sea IGM. The system will show whether the document is pending, approved, or needs further action.⁵

Conclusion

Understanding how to generate and verify an Import General Manifest (IGM) through the ICEGATE platform is crucial to ensure smooth customs clearance at the destination country. By following the steps highlighted in this blog, you can optimize sea IGM tracking and status, improving shipping process for both exporters and importers. For additional support with compliance documentation or other aspects of e-commerce exports, exporters can leverage the tools and services offered by e-commerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling.

Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping

If you are a business owner and want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce exports program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your exports journey – documents and licenses, logistics, payments, advertising, and more.

Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who files IGM?

The Import General Manifest (IGM) has to be filed by the carrier or shipping line. This is to ensure that every consignment on the vessel is declared correctly for clearance by the customs department.

Why is IGM important?

The IGM is crucial for customs clearance as it includes relevant information about the goods entering the country. Customs officials use it to verify shipments, prevent unauthorized activities, and monitor trade patterns.

What is the difference between an Import General Manifest (IGM) and a bill of lading (B/L)?

An IGM is a document submitted to customs which indicates the contents of a vessel while a bill of lading (B/L) is a legal agreement between the shipper and the carrier that acts as a receipt and evidence for shipped goods.

How does the Import General Manifest (IGM) enhance cargo security and risk management?

The IGM boosts the cargo security by declaring and recording details about the goods entering a country. Customs authorities use an IGM to check the goods arriving at the destination. This minimizes cases of smuggling and other illicit activities, and helps authorities with risk assessment and monitoring of shipments.

Published on August 13, 2024.

Sources:

1. https://www.tradefinanceglobal.com/freight-forwarding/difference-between-igm-bill-of-entry/

2. https://wareiq.com/resources/blogs/import-general-manifest-igm/

3. https://www.tradefinanceglobal.com/freight-forwarding/difference-between-igm-bill-of-entry/

4. 4 https://www.icegate.gov.in/sites/default/files/202311/User%20Manual%20Web%20forms_0.pdf

5. 5 https://enquiry.icegate.gov.in/enquiryatices/seaIgmEntry

Related blogs

A complete guide on payment methods in international trade

What is export finance and why is it required?

What is pre-shipment finance?

Sell across the world with Amazon Global Selling

Ready to start exporting from India?

Want to learn about Amazon Global Selling?

Here's your guide

Read more blogs

Disclaimer: Whilst Amazon Seller Services Private Limited ("Amazon") has used reasonable endeavours in compiling the information provided, Amazon provides no assurance as to its accuracy, completeness or usefulness or that such information is error-free. In certain cases, the blog is provided by a third-party seller and is made available on an "as-is" basis. Amazon hereby disclaims any and all liability and assumes no responsibility whatsoever for consequences resulting from use of such information. Information provided may be changed or updated at any time, without any prior notice. You agree to use the information, at your own risk and expressly waive any and all claims, rights of action and/or remedies (under law or otherwise) that you may have against Amazon arising out of or in connection with the use of such information. Any copying, redistribution or republication of the information, or any portion thereof, without prior written consent of Amazon is strictly prohibited.

*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.

Sitemap

Confidentiality Policy

Select your preferred language