Import General Manifest

For filing the IGM, each customs location will have its own format and instructions.

Import General Manifest (IGM) is a statutory requirement that must be shown to the customs officers at the destination port when importing goods. It is crucial for an importer/carrier importing the products to properly understand this document since after filing the IGM, the transport process is declared to be complete.

What is an IGM?

Prior to the cargo's arrival, the IGM is a legal document necessary at the destination port. It includes all the relevant details concerning the shipping, including the following:-

• Complete product details
• Name and address of the importer
• IGM number
• Line number
• Port of loading

The information listed in the document will next be verified by the customs officials. The IGM is regarded as a declaration that the cargo has successfully arrived at its destination.

Who Needs to Submit the IGM?

Before the cargo arrives at the target port, the carrier must submit the IGM. This form must be filled out completely and submitted to the customs agency by the company handling the transport.

The exporter must appropriately follow the process even while the carrier files the IGM. Because of this, before carrying the products, the carrier must talk to the exporter about the information related to the commodities.

The customs department may halt the shipment of goods because of improper IGM filing, which could be harmful to the entire shipping procedure.

Time to File the IGM

Within 24 hours of the cargo's arrival at the destination port, the IGM typically needs to be submitted. Before the shipment gets to the port, the importer can also file the IGM. This is permissible if the carrier has given the consignee notice of the arrival of the cargo.

As was briefly noted before, one must provide the customs authority with information regarding the shipper, quantity, and type of the shipment, the consignee, the vessel, and similar things. The accuracy of the information must be verified by the person submitting the form. Therefore, providing false information or attempting to conceal any information regarding the shipment may result in legal action being taken by the customs authority. The shipment may likewise be withheld in such a case.

For filing the IGM, each customs location will have its own format and instructions. The carrier will typically be given the choice between manually entering the information or filing it electronically. The carriers receive support from the customs officers as well.

Filing of Import General Manifest

Most IGM filing processes start with confirming the airway bill or the bill of lading (BOL). So, the IGM will also include many overlapping details from the BOL. The goal of the document is to make sure that every item is listed, and that the importer has completed all required documents for the shipment. No matter how the items are transported, the IGM affirms that the carrier has complied with all applicable legal requirements.

Attachments to IGM

Here are the documentation that must be presented with the IGM in accordance with government regulations:-

• Deck cargo certificates and declarations
• Income tax certificates (for export cargo)
• The most recent port clearance document
• Amendment requests (if any)
• A port trust "No Demand" certificate
• A certificate for zero export cargo
• Crew baggage checking applications
• Crew sign-on/off requests (according to relevancy)

Modifications to IGM

The entire transportation process could be affected by entering inaccurate information in the IGM. Carriers must thus confirm all the information and correct any inaccuracies. The IGM amendment procedure makes it possible for this: -

Step 1: Speak with a senior customs officer, such as the Deputy Commissioner, or the customs department.

Step 2: Present an official with a request for an amendment. Following approval of the request, you can move forward with the rectification process.

Step 3: Until they get the updated IGM document, the customs department will detain the cargo. To finish the filing process, submit the supporting documents.

Conclusion

It is crucial to complete and submit the IGM to carry freight properly. It is crucial to enter the IGM document's details carefully to prevent changes and difficulties.

Carriers must also become accustomed with the destination country's customs procedures. To confirm all the documents required for filing the IGM and other information regarding the procedure, they can get in touch with the customs department.