India allows diverted foreign cargo at ports, airports until October 31

India has opened its seaports and international airports to the temporary handling of foreign-bound cargo diverted because of ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, allowing shipments to be held in the country for onward international transhipment or re-export.

The facility will remain available until October 31, 2026, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) said in a circular issued to field formations on Aug. 22.

Under the arrangement, diverted cargo cannot be cleared for home consumption or moved into India’s Domestic Tariff Area. It must remain under Customs control while in the country. Repackaging may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.

The measure covers both full-container-load and less-than-container-load shipments at all Indian seaports and international airports, including cargo moving through multiple Customs stations. It also applies to liquid bulk, break bulk and solid or dry bulk cargo destined for foreign markets.

The CBIC said the facility was introduced following representations from trade and industry bodies, which raised concerns over continued disruptions to maritime routes and uncertainty in the Gulf region. The board said the measure was intended to facilitate the smooth continuation of international trade amid the crisis in West Asia.

Any discrepancy, damage or other irregularity involving the cargo must be reported to Customs immediately. Customs officials will supervise cargo discharge, ullage surveys and quantity verification.

Cargo must be stored with an approved custodian, with accurate inventory records maintained throughout its stay in India. Customs authorities may also require bonds or undertakings and may order cargo testing where necessary.

For shipments passing through more than one Customs station, prior approval must be obtained from nodal officers at the originating, transit and destination stations. The receiving station must confirm that it has adequate secure storage, infrastructure and logistical capacity before transhipment is authorised.

Custodians at each originating, transit and destination station will remain responsible for the safe custody, secure storage, handling and accounting of the cargo while it remains under their control.

By Tamilla Hasanova