The Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment Regulations (SCMTR) marks a significant milestone in digitising logistics operations, replacing outdated manifest filing practices that have been in place for 50-60 years. With a unified regulation for manifest filing, SCMTR realises the vision of “One Nation, One Regulation,” promoting uniformity, efficiency and transparency across Customs stations.
Key objectives of SCMTR
Unique Identification of Cargo: Ensures every cargo entry and exit is uniquely tracked.
Risk and Facilitation: Enables risk assessment and facilitation based on detailed cargo information.
Reusability of Data: Allows reuse of cargo details for subsequent movements.
Cargo Tracking and Tracing: Enhances visibility and monitoring of shipments.
Seamless Segregation and Aggregation: Streamlines operational processes.
Online Approvals: Eliminates manual interfaces, enabling fully digital approval systems.
Consolidated Cargo Tracking: Improves tracking and monitoring of consolidated shipments.
Phased implementation and stakeholder transition
The rollout of SCMTR is happening in phases, beginning with sea imports at major ports such as INBOM, INCOK and INTUT. Implementation for Nhava Sheva and Mundra Port is set to commence on January 16, 2025, with stakeholders required to comply with the new manifest filing regulations. This phased approach ensures a smoother transition, allowing ample time for stakeholders to adapt while maintaining parallel filing under both old and new systems.
Teamglobal’s
contributions to SCMTR implementation
As a key enabler of this digital transformation, Teamglobal has actively supported the trade community in adopting SCMTR through:
Testing and Validation
*Initiated testing of import JSON files with ICEGATE in 2022.
* Successfully filed CSN Entry manifests, ensuring compliance with SCMTR.
* Shared validated JSON file formats tailored
for LCL (Less-than-Container Load) and FCL (Full-Container Load) shipments with consolidators.
Performance Reporting
* Provided weekly performance reports on SCMTR manifest filing to JNCH Customs.
* Relayed stakeholder feedback to ICEGATE to refine JSON formats and acknowledgment responses.
Training
* Conducted online training sessions for freight forwarders and consolidators.
* Addressed queries and challenges related to SCMTR filing with Customs and ICEGATE teams.
* Shared best practices to ensure a seamless adoption process.
Encouraging Trade Participation
* Through sustained efforts, Teamglobal has equipped the trade community with the necessary tools and knowledge for SCMTR compliance, ensuring:
*Greater accuracy and transparency in cargo documentation.
* Enhanced efficiency in manifest filing processes.
As SCMTR moves toward full implementation, Teamglobal remains committed to enabling a seamless transition, empowering stakeholders and advancing India’s vision of a digitised and unified trade ecosystem.
Acknowledgment
Teamglobal extended its heartfelt gratitude to:
* Customs authorities: Mr Dhirendra Singh Garbyal, Mr Pramod Kumar Agrawal, and others.
* ICEGATE and NIC Representatives: Mr Prashant Kumar, Mr Animesh Kanjilal and Mr Sanjay Vaidya.
A special thanks for their unwavering support in resolving queries and facilitating SCMTR im-plementation, Teamglobal said in a communique.
Source: Exim News Service: Mumbai, Jan. 14