SCMTR being implemented in a phased manner at ports
The Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment Regulations (SCMTR) are being implemented in a phased manner at pan-Indian ports, with most ports filing their Sea Arrival Manifests (SAM) as per the new regulations.
Some ports – including Dhamra, Kolkata, Haldia and Paradip – are facing issues, it is learnt.
Filing of IGM/SAM was previously conducted through the old ICEGATE system 1.5 Version of the e-commerce portal of Indian Customs, offering services relating to E-filing of Bills of Entry. This is now closed and filing of SAM is done through ICEGATE 2.0 Version – as per the new SCMTR Guidelines (Instead of IGM).
According to the Ministry of Finance Circular No.02/2025/Customs dated 17 January 2025, the date for the implementation SCMTR for certain ports has been extended as an interim measure considering the issues faced by trade on filing certain SCMTR messages. The extension with additional timeframe has been done with the intention of smooth EXIM operation and to ensure the trade is not penalised during the initial phase of implementation.
The Chief Commissioners of Customs and Directorate General of Systems have been requested to conduct fortnightly outreach programmes so that the extended time frame is fully utilised for smooth implementation.
For Kandla, filing of EGM (SDM) is now being exempted until 31 March 2025, as per a report.
Source: Exim News Service: New Delhi, Jan. 21