Import General Manifest: Key Document in International Trade

We've all been there - waiting (impatiently) for that international delivery to land - whether it is important raw materials for your business or a long-awaited personal package. But before your goods are cleared at the port, here comes the introduction of the Import General Manifest (IGM), an essential document ensuring that everything is in order.

This particular document is somewhat like a shipping blueprint, which tells the customs authorities a clear picture of what’s arriving, who it is for, and where it comes from. Without this, an import could be delayed, fined, or rejected. So, let’s dive into why the IGM is such an essential part of international trade.

What is Import General Manifest?

As a passport is for human beings, similarly Import General Manifest (IGM) is for the cargo; it tells customs what's coming, who it is for, and from where it is coming. This legal document has been filed either by the shipping line or by the airline, even before the goods reached the port of destination.

Why is this important? Well, without the IGM, your shipment can stay stuck with delays or penalty charges. It enables customs officials to trace, inspect and process everything smoothly so that imports are made according to the regulations. Simply put, the IGM is the key which opens the doors for a hassle-free entry of goods into a country.

Role of the Import General Manifest (IGM)

An important aspect of international shipping and customs clearance, The Import General Manifest is a legal document to be submitted by the carrier (shipping line or airline) to the destination port/airport before the goods arrive at that destination. This is why:

Customs Handling
- The import general manifest gives customs officers full detailed information about the consignment that enters the country.
- It enables in-depth inquiries and compliance audits as well as enforcement of the law.
- It ensures compliance with the import law tariffs and trade regulations.
Shipment Tracing
- Helps in tracking shipment right from its point of origin to the point of delivery.
- Provides shipment status in real-time from the point of origin to the destination.
- Ensures that everything goes on properly through smooth logistics, minimizing the chances of lost or rerouted cargo.
Safety Screening
- Assist in the identification and screening of high-risk shipments.
- Increase security through exclusion of illegal, hazardous, or restricted goods.
- Provide international efforts in combating smuggling and fraud.
Port Facility Management
- Enables port authorities to allocate resources efficiently.
- Helps manage port congestion and optimize cargo movement.
- Facilitates better planning of unloading, storage, and onward transportation.
Trade Analysis
- The knowledge of trade flows, import trends, and market dynamics is valuable.
- This information helps the government and industries in policy formulation and decision-making.
- It creates transparency in international trade while being useful for the economic analysis itself.

Who is Responsible for Filing the Declaration?

Filing the Import General Manifest (IGM) is not just a formality; it is an essential process that guarantees a smooth import process. So, who’s in charge of submitting it?

Exporters shouldn’t take a back seat. They will not file the IGM, but should be well aware of the procedure. Any incorrect communication or missing information may lead to delays; therefore, a carrier and an exporter must proactively be on the same wavelength prior to the departure of the shipment.

Because if the right IGM is not filed, it can incur massive pain points from delays in shipment to customs holding the cargo in transit, which could impair the entire supply chain. Proper coordination and proper filing keep things moving without costly interruptions.

When Should the Import General Manifest Be Filed?

In the filing, the Import General Manifest (IGM) - Timing is everything. The manifest is to be normally submitted not less than 24 hours after cargo has arrived at the destination port. But here comes the exception: this should also be filed before the arrival of the shipment if the carrier has provided a cargo arrival notice to the consignee in advance.

Now, it is more than just filling up the form to submit the Import General Manifest. Filling in all the details properly is a task in itself. These details may range from the shipper's details, consignees, type of shipment and volume, vessel information, and even more. The person handling the submission has to ensure that everything is up to date and clear.

How to File an Import General Manifest (IGM)?

The Import General Manifest (IGM) filing isn't much of rocket science but it does require attention to detail. The first thing to be considered is that the Airway Bill or Bill of Lading (BOL) must be verified on all counts since the IGM will have many details replicating those on these documents. The goal? That all goods are accounted for, and that the importer has submitted the necessary paperwork.

No matter how the cargo of transport, the IGM stands as a declaration that the carrier has fulfilled any and all legal obligations. Here lies the tricky part - the IGM filing rules differ from one country to another. Some customs authorities require it to be filed before the cargo arrives, while others ask for it upon the arrival of the cargo.

It is indeed necessary for carriers to be aware of country-specific requirements such as those of the destination port. However, there are some general steps applicable to all:

Fill out the IGM Form: Include details about the freight shipment before reaching the port.
Submit to Customs: Send the completed IGM to the customs department of the respective country.
Provide Supporting Documents: Customs may request additional paperwork to verify the shipment details.
Ensure Accuracy: The details in the IGM must match perfectly with the supporting documents.
Clear Customs: Once everything checks out, the shipment is good to go.

What Documents Need to Be Submitted with the IGM?

Filing an Import General Manifest (IGM) entails more than the completion of the form; it also involves some other requisite documents to fulfill government regulations. Below is a list of the documents normally required for submission:

Deck Cargo Certificate/Declaration
Income Tax Certificate (for Export Cargo)
Port Clearance Document (Final Copy)
Amendment Application (if needed)
‘No Demand’ Certificate from Port Trust
Certificate for Nil Export Cargo
Crew Baggage Checking Application
Sign On/Off Application for Crew

How to Amend an Import General Manifest (IGM)?

Errors in the Import General Manifest (IGM) result in serious delays in the shipping process. Hence, it is extremely important for carriers to double-check their entire application before submitting it. But don't worry - it's easy to fix an error that has slipped in, thanks to the IGM amendment process. Here are three simple steps to change an IGM.

Step 1: Contact Customs

Reach out to the customs department, e.g., the Deputy Commissioner, and the necessary correction would be informed to him.

Step 2: Submit an Amendment Request

Follow the official process to request changes. Once approved, you can make the corrections.

Step 3: Provide Supporting Documents

Cargo may be held by customs until the corrected IGM is submitted. To speed up the process, make sure your supporting documents are received along with the corrected IGM.

Wrapping It Up

The Import General Manifest is just like a passport for a shipment, for it indicates to the customs what comes, to whom it goes, and where it’s from. Get it right for faster clearances and fewer delays, but no surprise penalties.

Carrier, exporter, or importer; it does not matter. Pay careful attention to details and file the IGM correctly to ensure the smooth sailing of all operations. The little effort up front saves quite a bit later. So file it correctly, stay ahead of the game, and things will be running with hassle-free shipments.