IMPORT CLEARANCE

Fast & Accurate Bill of Entry Filing Services

Avoid Demurrage and Detention. We ensure 100% compliant classification of HS Codes and timely filing of your Import Declarations at all major Indian ports.

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What is a Bill of Entry?

A Bill of Entry (BOE) is a legal document filed by an importer or their Custom House Agent (CHA) on the ICEGATE portal to claim imported goods from Customs. It declares the precise nature, quantity, and value of goods that have landed in India.

Filing a BOE is the first step in the customs clearance process. Based on this declaration, the Customs authorities assess the duty payable. Late filing (beyond 24 hours of arrival) attracts strict penalties from Customs.

Classification

Types of Bill of Entry

Choose the right type based on your clearance needs.

Home Consumption

White Bill

Filed when the importer wants to clear the goods for immediate use or sale. Import duty must be paid immediately upon assessment to release cargo.

Warehousing (Into Bond)

Yellow Bill

Filed when the importer wishes to store goods in a Customs Bonded Warehouse without paying duty immediately. Duty is deferred until clearance.

Ex-Bond Clearance

Green Bill

Filed to clear goods from the warehouse for home consumption. Duty is paid at this stage (along with interest if stored beyond free period).

Documents Checklist

To file a Bill of Entry smoothly, ensure you have the following documents ready for e-Sanchit upload.

  • Commercial InvoiceMust clearly mention HS Codes, Unit Price, Currency & Incoterms.
  • Packing List (PL)Details of contents, net weight & gross weight per package.
  • Bill of Lading / Airway BillTransport document issued by carrier or freight forwarder.
  • Insurance CopyRequired for FOB/Ex-Works shipments to calculate CIF.
  • Country of Origin CertificateMandatory to claim preferential duty benefits (FTA/PTA).

Avoid Penalty

Late filing charges apply if BOE is not filed before the arrival of the vessel/aircraft.

Workflow

Clearance Process

1

Checklist

We verify documents and generate a draft checklist for your approval.

2

Filing

Submission to ICEGATE system upon checklist confirmation.

3

Assessment

Customs appraiser reviews value and HS code. Queries raised if any.

4

Duty

Importer pays the assessed Customs Duty online.

OOC

Out of Charge (OOC) order is issued. Goods released for delivery.

Professional Fees

Import Filing Charges

Per Bill of Entry

₹ 2,500

+ GST

  • HS Code Classification
  • Checklist Generation
  • e-Sanchit Upload
  • Filing & Processing
  • Duty Challan Generation

*Note: Additional charges may apply for complex consignments with multiple HS codes.

Why CloudDesk for Bill-Of-Entry-Filing?

Accurate classification, valuation and documentation reduce reassessment risk and clearance delays.

1. "Prior Filing" Optimization

Customs law now allows (and encourages) filing a BoE before the goods arrive. CloudDesk’s ETA-Sync monitors your vessel/flight and triggers a "Prior Bill of Entry" filing 48 hours before arrival. This ensures your assessment is done while the ship is still at sea, allowing for Direct Port Delivery (DPD) the moment it berths.

2. HSN & Notification Logic

With thousands of exemption notifications (like IGCR or FTA benefits), most importers overpay duty.CloudDesk’s Duty-Logic Engine scans your HSN and Country of Origin to automatically suggest the most beneficial notification, ensuring you pay the Lowest Legal Duty.

3. The "Query Pre-emptor"

Faceless Assessment officers often raise queries regarding "Value" or "Technical Specs." CloudDesk’s Pre-Filing Audit identifies "High-Risk" declarations (e.g., related party transactions or low-value items) and prompts you to upload supporting"Literature/Catalogues" on e-Sanchit before the officer asks, cutting clearance time by 50%.

4. Automatic IGST & Credit Sync

Errors in the BoE often lead to mismatched IGST credits on your GSTR-2B.CloudDesk performs a GSTN-ICEGATE Cross-Check, ensuring your GSTIN and Invoice details are perfectly mapped so your input tax credit flows seamlessly into your books.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mandatory timeline for filing a Bill of Entry?

Under Section 46, you must file the BoE before the end of the next day (excluding holidays) following the day on which the aircraft/vessel/vehicle carrying the goods arrives. The Penalty: If you fail to meet this deadline, a ""Late Fee"" is charged (typically ₹5,000 per day for the first 3 days, and ₹10,000 per day thereafter). CloudDesk’s Timer Alert ensures you never pay a single rupee in late fees."

Can I file a Bill of Entry without a Bill of Lading (BL)?

You can file a "Prior" BoE using a Master BL/AWB number. However, for the final assessment and "Out of Charge," the House BL and final invoice must be uploaded.

What is the difference between a White, Yellow, and Green Bill of Entry?

White (Home Consumption): When you want to pay the duty and take the goods directly to your factory/shop. Yellow (Into-Bond/Warehouse): When you want to store the goods in a Customs Warehouse without paying duty immediately (Duty is deferred). Green (Ex-Bond): When you want to take goods out of the warehouse for consumption (you pay the duty at this stage).

What is an "Advance Bill of Entry"?

It is a BoE filed up to 30 days before the expected arrival of the goods. This is the gold standard for high-volume importers who want zero port-dwell time.

What is "Faceless Assessment"?

Your BoE is no longer assessed by an officer at the port of arrival. It could be assessed by an officer in Bangalore even if your goods are at Nhava Sheva. This makes e-Sanchit documentation critical. If your digital documents aren't clear, your cargo gets stuck.

How can I check if my duty payment has been reflected?

You can check the "Challan Status" on ICEGATE. CloudDesk provides a Payment Verification Tracker that notifies you the moment the "Duty Paid" status is updated, triggering the next step: "Examination" or "Out of Charge."

I made a mistake in the HSN code after filing. Can I change it?

Yes, but it requires a Section 149 Amendment. If the "Out of Charge" hasn't been given, it's easier. Once "OOC" is granted, you have to go through a formal "Re-assessment" process. CloudDesk manages these amendments to minimize delays.

What is "RMS" (Risk Management System)?

RMS is an AI-driven system that decides which BoE needs to be checked and which can be cleared immediately ("Green Channel"). CloudDesk helps you maintain a "High Compliance Score" to increase your chances of 100% Green Channel clearances.