If your goods are sitting at the port waiting for clearance, every hour costs you money. NG Pillai has been handling customs clearance in India since 1988 — 36 years of navigating CBIC regulations, HS codes, SVB orders, and duty structures so your consignments move.
A licensed customs broker is the required intermediary between your business and the customs authority. Without a licensed CHA, you cannot file a bill of entry, clear dutiable goods, or legally import restricted items.
From Bill of Lading receipt to goods out of customs. We handle the full import cycle at Delhi (ICD TKD, ICD Patparganj), JNPT, Mundra, Chennai, and Mumbai air and sea gateways.
Filing Shipping Bills, coordinating with ECCS, obtaining Let Export Orders, managing RoDTEP credit ledger entries. Exports to UAE, US, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
IGCR for EOU and manufacturing units, SVB compliance for related-party imports, Advance Authorisation and EPCG redemption, Project Imports under Notification 21/2002, re-import and re-export.
We are among a small number of customs brokers in India holding AEO certification from CBIC. That certification is not a badge — it means your shipments get priority processing, fewer physical examinations, and access to fast-track customs lanes.
AEO-linked consignments are statistically examined less frequently than non-AEO shipments at all major Indian gateways.
Your Bills of Entry move ahead of non-AEO filers in the assessment queue. Faster Out of Charge on clean consignments.
India's AEO programme has MRAs with the UAE, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the US — these arrangements may support faster risk assessment at the receiving end where the shipment profile qualifies.
NG Pillai holds AEO certification from CBIC and has maintained it continuously. We also provide AEO Advisory — helping your company apply for its own AEO status.
| Service | What We Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| HS Classification | Pre-import classification opinion letters, ICEGATE filing under correct 8-digit code, defence at assessment | Wrong HS code is the single most common cause of duty disputes and delays |
| SVB Compliance | SVB order applications, renewals, interim security deposit management for related-party imports | SVB matters can run 12–24 months; proactive handling keeps them moving |
| RoDTEP | Shipping Bill declaration, scroll management, rate verification against HS code schedule | Most exporters claim at wrong rates or don't scroll — credits sit unclaimed |
| IGCR | IGCR bond filing, quarterly returns, final redemption for manufacturing units and EOUs | Non-compliance attracts 100% penalty on the duty foregone |
| Advance Auth / EPCG | Documentation support for AA redemption and EPCG licence discharge | Licence redemption requires precise export obligation reconciliation |
We review your commercial invoice, packing list, BL/AWB, and licences before the vessel berths. Most errors are caught here, not at customs.
We confirm the correct 8-digit HS code and compute the exact duty liability — BCD, IGST, social welfare surcharge — so there are no surprises.
Filed electronically via ICEGATE within hours of complete document receipt.
We liaise with the assigned appraising officer, respond to queries, and coordinate physical examination if flagged.
Once customs releases the consignment, we coordinate with the port/ICD/CFS for delivery to your premises or onward transport.
Average clearance time for AEO-linked consignments: 24–48 hours air freight, 48–72 hours sea freight, after documents are in order.
| Sector | Typical Goods | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Raw materials, capital goods, machinery | IGCR, Advance Authorisation |
| Electronics | Components, finished devices | BIS compliance coordination |
| Pharma | APIs, formulations, lab equipment | CDSCO NOC, cold chain |
| Retail & FMCG | Consumer goods, food & beverage | FSSAI, BIS registration |
| Oil & Gas | Equipment, spare parts | Project import, ETA/ETCA |
| Automotive | CKD kits, components, spare parts | IGCR compliance, GST |
How long does customs clearance take in India?
For air freight with clean documentation and no examination: 24–48 hours. Sea freight at major ports: 48–96 hours. SVB-flagged or examination-selected consignments take longer. AEO status reduces examination frequency significantly.
What documents do I need for import customs clearance?
Standard set: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, Import Licence (if applicable), Certificate of Origin (for preferential duty claims), and any product-specific permits (BIS, FSSAI, CDSCO). We review your document set before filing.
Do I need a customs broker to import goods into India?
Yes. All commercial imports must be filed by a licensed Customs House Agent (CHA). Only personal baggage is exempt from this requirement.
What is an HS code and why does it matter?
The Harmonised System (HS) code is an 8-digit product classification that determines the customs duty rate. An incorrect code can mean underpaying duty (creating legal liability) or overpaying (losing money unnecessarily).
Can you handle clearance at ports other than Delhi?
Yes. We operate at all major Indian gateways — JNPT, Mundra, Chennai Seaport, Mumbai Airport, Delhi (ICD TKD, ICD Patparganj, IGI Airport). We also work through our licensed network for other locations.
Send us your shipment details — ports, commodity, timeline. A licensed broker responds within 2 business hours, Monday to Saturday.
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