Indian Customs Clearance for Thai Imports: ICEGATE Step by Step (2026)
Clearance in India is procedural, not mysterious. Importers who lose weeks at the port almost always lost them before the vessel sailed.
What you need in place before your first order
| Requirement | Issued by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IEC (Importer Exporter Code) | DGFT | One-time, online, PAN-linked |
| GST registration | GSTN | Needed to claim IGST credit |
| AD Code registration | Your bank, at each port | Port-specific - register before arrival |
| CHA / customs broker | Licensed agent | Choose one per port cluster |
| ICEGATE account | CBIC | For filing, e-payment and tracking |
AD Code registration at the specific port is the most common first-time blocker. It is port-by-port, so shipping to Chennai after registering only at Nhava Sheva means a fresh registration and a delay.
The clearance sequence
- Supplier issues final invoice, packing list, BL and Form AI
- Your CHA files the Bill of Entry on ICEGATE - advance filing is allowed before arrival
- Risk Management System decides: facilitated, assessed, or examined
- Duty is paid electronically via ICEGATE
- Appraisal or examination if selected; CAROTAR queries on FTA claims land here
- Out of Charge order issued, container released for delivery
Duty calculation, in order
Assessable value = CIF value + 1% landing charge where applicable. Then:
| Step | Levy |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basic Customs Duty on assessable value (0-5% under AIFTA) |
| 2 | Social Welfare Surcharge at 10% of BCD |
| 3 | IGST on (assessable value + BCD + SWS) |
| 4 | Compensation cess, anti-dumping or safeguard duty if notified |
Check anti-dumping notifications for your HS code before quoting. Several chemical, steel and plastics lines carry duties that dwarf the BCD saving from AIFTA.
The three things that cause detention
- Origin document errors on FTA claims - mismatched HS codes or wrong Form AI details
- Missing BIS, FSSAI, WPC or CDSCO approvals for notified goods
- Undervaluation flags where declared value is far below NIDB reference values
Free-time management
Free days are counted from discharge, not from Out of Charge. If you expect an examination, negotiate 14 days of combined free time up front - detention charges in India escalate steeply after the first tier.
How TUSKO helps
We prepare a document set on the Thailand side designed for Indian scrutiny: matched HS codes across invoice, packing list and Form AI, verified certificates, and inspection photographs of markings - the file your CHA needs to clear in one pass.
FAQ
How long does customs clearance take in India?
Two to five working days for facilitated consignments with clean paperwork. Examination or a CAROTAR query can extend this to two or three weeks.
Can I file the Bill of Entry before the ship arrives?
Yes. Advance filing is permitted and recommended - it avoids interest and typically saves one to two days.
What is an AD Code and why does it block clearance?
It links your bank account to the port for foreign-exchange reporting. It must be registered at each port you import through, before the shipment arrives.
Is IGST refundable on imports?
IGST paid at import is available as input tax credit against your output GST. Basic Customs Duty is a real cost and never creditable.
Do I need a customs broker in India?
Practically, yes. Self-filing is legal but the RMS, port procedures and examination handling make a licensed CHA far cheaper in real terms.
What triggers a customs valuation dispute?
A declared value well below NIDB reference data for the same HS code. Keep the supplier's cost breakdown and payment proof ready to defend the invoice.