Shipping Documents
Shipping Bill — India's primary export document
The mandatory document filed with Indian customs to clear goods for export. Here's what a shipping bill is, the types, and what it contains.
A shipping bill is the primary document filed with Indian customs to obtain clearance for goods leaving the country. It is mandatory for all exports from India and is generated through the customs EDI system (ICEGATE) by the exporter or their customs broker.
Overview
What is a shipping bill?
The shipping bill is to exports what the bill of entry is to imports. It declares the goods, value, and export scheme to customs, and once cleared, allows the cargo to be loaded for export. Different types exist — free shipping bill (no duty), dutiable, and drawback (claiming export incentives). Correct filing is essential to claim export benefits.
Contents
What a shipping bill contains
Exporter name, address, IEC and GSTIN
Consignee / buyer details
Shipping bill number and date
Description of goods, HS code and quantity
FOB value and currency
Port of loading and destination
Export scheme / drawback claim details
Container and packing details
How to prepare
Preparing a shipping bill, step by step
Prepare the export documents
Have the commercial invoice, packing list, and IEC ready — the shipping bill draws on all of them.
Classify and value
Confirm the HS classification and FOB value for each item.
Choose the right type
Select the correct shipping bill type — free, dutiable, or drawback — based on your export scheme.
File on ICEGATE
File the shipping bill through the customs EDI system (ICEGATE), usually via your customs broker.
Obtain Let Export Order
After examination and assessment, customs grants the Let Export Order so the cargo can be loaded.
FAQ
Shipping Bill — common questions
What is a shipping bill?
A shipping bill is the primary export document filed with Indian customs to clear goods for export. It is mandatory for all exports from India and is filed through ICEGATE by the exporter or their customs broker.
What are the types of shipping bill?
The main types are the free shipping bill (no export duty), the dutiable shipping bill (export duty applies), and the drawback shipping bill (claiming duty drawback or export incentives).
Who files the shipping bill?
The exporter or their licensed customs broker files the shipping bill electronically on ICEGATE. CargoFide is backed by a licensed customs broker who handles this filing.
What is a Let Export Order?
After customs assesses and examines the goods, it issues a Let Export Order (LEO) on the shipping bill — this authorises the cargo to be loaded onto the vessel or aircraft for export.
Related documents