Bypass the CFS and clear your cargo directly from the Terminal. Reduce logistics costs by up to ₹ 10,000 per container and cut delivery time by 3-5 days.
Estimate your DPD savings.
Direct Port Delivery (DPD) is an initiative by Indian Customs to facilitate Ease of Doing Business. Traditionally, import containers are moved from the Port Terminal to a Container Freight Station (CFS), where customs clearance takes place. This adds handling costs and delays (4-7 days).
Under DPD, the importer files the Bill of Entry in advance (before vessel arrival) and pays the duty. The container is then picked up directly from the terminal within 48 hours of landing, bypassing the CFS entirely.
Save ₹ 8,000 to ₹ 15,000 per TEU by avoiding CFS handling charges, ground rent, and transportation to CFS.
Reduce dwell time from 7–9 days to just 48 hours. Goods reach your factory faster, improving inventory turnover.
Importers have direct control over transportation. You arrange your own trailer to pick up from the port, reducing dependency on CFS.
Authorized Economic Operators (Tier 1, 2, 3) get Automatic DPD Status. You just need to activate the code with the terminals.
Customs grants DPD permission based on volume and compliance track record.
Apply to Customs for DPD permission letter. Receive approval.
Register DPD Code with Port Terminals (e.g., BMCT, GTI, NSICT).
Open Pre-Deposit Account with terminals for handling charges.
Instruct Liners to file IGM with DPD Code. Start clearing!
One-Time Activation
Per Port Location
DPD is about speed, but one documentation error can send your cargo back to the expensive CFS lane. CloudDesk ensures you stay in the fast lane.
Getting DPD permission requires a clean track record and specific volume commitments (or AEO status).CloudDesk manages the DPD Application with the Commissioner of Customs, ensuring your "Financial Solvency" and "Compliance History" are presented flawlessly for immediate approval.
DPD isn't universal; you need to be registered at specific terminals (like JNPCT, GTI, or NSIGT). CloudDesk handles the Terminal-Level Registration and ensures your IEC is mapped to the port’s "DPD Directory," allowing the cranes to move your container to the DPD area automatically.
DPD cargo must be cleared within 48 hours, or it is forcefully moved to a CFS, incurring double charges.CloudDesk’s DPD Control Tower tracks your vessel's arrival and ensures your "Advanced Bill of Entry" and "Duty Payment" are completed before the ship berths.
Traditional transporters often struggle with port-terminal pickups.CloudDesk provides a DPD-Authorized Fleet that is pre-registered with the terminal gate systems, ensuring your container moves from the "Hook to the Hook-up" without waiting for manual gate-passes.
In 2026, eligibility is primarily based on: (1) AEO (T1, T2, or T3) status holders, or (2) Importers with a minimum volume of 25-50 TEUs (containers) per year at a specific port. CloudDesk helps SMEs get DPD by leveraging their AEO T1 certification.
It is most active at major ports like Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mundra, Hazira, and Chennai. Each port has its own "DPD Cell" which CloudDesk liaises with on your behalf.
DPD permission is typically valid as long as your IEC and AEO status are active. However, you must file a "DPD Renewal/Continuance" declaration annually to confirm your volume and compliance.
On average, DPD saves between ₹8,000 to ₹20,000 per container by eliminating CFS handling charges, ground rent, and secondary transportation costs. For a company importing 10 containers a month, that’s over ₹1.5 Lakhs in pure profit saved.
If you do not pick up your container from the port terminal within 48 to 72 hours (depending on the port), the terminal "evacuates" it to a designated CFS. You then lose the DPD benefit and pay full CFS charges. CloudDesk’s Alert System prevents this evacuation.
No. DPD is only for FCL (Full Container Load) shipments because the entire container is delivered to a single importer. LCL cargo must go to a CFS for "de-stuffing" and sorting.
It is a unique identification number assigned to your company by the Port Terminal. You must mention this code in your Bill of Entry to inform Customs and the Terminal that the container is meant for Direct Delivery.
Even DPD cargo can be marked for examination by the RMS. In such cases, the examination is done at a special DPD Area within the port or at a nearby "DPD-Speed" facility, rather than a general CFS, maintaining the speed of delivery.