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In global trade, time directly affects costs and customer satisfaction. Every day, billions of dollars’ worth of goods move across borders, and delays at customs can cause significant losses. In 2023, India’s trade volume through air cargo alone reached over 3 million tonnes, showing the growing demand for shorter shipment processes. Express shipments, mainly those involving perishable or high-value items, cannot afford long customs holds.
The Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS) speeds up customs clearance for express shipments. This system reduces the time cargo spends waiting at ports, helping your business deliver products quickly and keep your supply chains running efficiently. ECCS utilises digital processes and automated approvals to reduce paperwork and checks without compromising safety standards.
For exporters and importers aiming to meet tight deadlines, such systems have become essential. This blog will discuss how ECCS works and how it’s shaping faster global trade movements.
The ECCS makes international shipping simple and quicker for businesses that rely on timely delivery. Established in 2017, ECCS was formed by the Express Industry Council and later linked to the CBIC Data Centre. It reduces the time it takes for shipments to move through customs by replacing traditional steps with automated checks and digital paperwork.
The process begins even before the cargo arrives, which helps prevent delays and keeps deliveries on schedule. ECCS operates through a single digital platform that connects all parties involved in the shipping process. This includes customs officers, importers, exporters, and courier companies.
Instead of depending on manual approvals and paperwork, the system uses electronic declarations and barcode scanning to track each package precisely. This setup ensures that shipments are sorted and cleared without human error.
Shipment statuses are updated in real-time, so everyone involved can see where their cargo is at any moment. This transparency helps avoid confusion and speeds up responses if any issues come up. Currently, ECCS runs in major cities with important customs facilities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and others. By covering these hubs, ECCS helps businesses send and receive goods across borders with fewer delays.
It specifically supports industries, like eCommerce, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive parts, where delivery speed is crucial. Plans are in place to bring ECCS to more locations soon, aiming to cover more areas and support businesses that depend on reliable cross-border shipping.
ECCS has introduced significant changes to how goods are transported across international borders. Below are some of the benefits of ECCS that help you reach global buyers without getting stuck in customs formalities.
ECCS runs without any paper-based processes. It handles nearly 50,000 shipments every day, including invoices, packing lists, compliance documents, and payment receipts. This digital process reduces manual errors and shortens the time taken for customs clearance.
The system utilises an automated Risk Management System (RMS) to identify shipments that may require additional inspection. The majority of shipments clear customs quickly through this assessment process. This helps avoid unnecessary delays while ensuring security and compliance.
ECCS supports fully electronic clearance for courier shipments. You and your couriers can track the status of shipments online, giving clear visibility. This clarity enables you to plan your inventory and delivery schedules more effectively.
Duty and other fees are paid completely online through the ECCS platform. You do not need to visit offices or deal with complex steps. This efficient payment method clears payments instantly and reduces hassle.
ECCS runs on modern technology designed to boost security, track and clear shipments better, and protect sensitive data. This helps you trust the system while benefiting from fast and secure processes.
Authorised couriers file all required documents through online portals or bulk uploads. Several major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, have courier terminals integrated with ECCS. You can find a list of these authorised couriers on the ECCS website, which also provides shipment tracking and support contacts.
The ECCS framework runs on clear and organised steps that help customs and other stakeholders handle cargo properly. The Express Cargo Clearance System includes several key operations discussed below:
Each user is allocated roles through the ECCS system. The Port Admin creates different user roles depending on the type of user, such as courier services, customs officers, importers, or custodians. Each user has access only to the specific menus and functions they need. The Port Admin also appoints Group Admins, who manage users within their groups and assign tasks accordingly.
Cargo information is submitted before arrival. This helps customs and other stakeholders initiate the process early, thereby reducing the time spent at the port. It avoids long waits and facilitates the quicker movement of goods once they arrive.
Importers must upload all required documents digitally before the arrival of the goods. This reduces paperwork and allows the system to verify records earlier in the process.
The system automatically checks documents for compliance, missing details, and possible issues. This reduces manual review time and lowers human error. It helps ensure the process remains smooth and accurate.
Goods marked as low-risk based on system checks are cleared much faster, sometimes within just a few hours of arrival. This feature helps sellers who depend on fast inventory turnover.
Many clearance steps are handled by the system using the electronic data submitted earlier. This automated flow reduces back-and-forth between departments and supports quicker cargo release for businesses.
Here is a detailed explanation of the import processing in India, as per ECCS, highlighting the key steps involved in the procedure.
Before the arrival of imported goods, the Authorised Courier must submit an electronic document called the Express Cargo Manifest Import (ECM-I) in Form A to the customs officer. This filing informs customs of the shipment details in advance and initiates the clearance process.
Once the goods reach the courier terminal, they cannot be touched or moved unless the Customs Commissioner allows it. You must ensure that agents or couriers do not open or shift packages without permission, even for checking or repacking. This restriction helps prevent unauthorised access to goods and maintains proper control during examination.
The authorised courier or a licensed agent, who has passed certain customs regulations (like Regulation 8 or 19 of the Customs House Agents Licensing Rules), must file an electronic declaration called the Courier Bill. This bill lists the imported items and serves as the official record for customs checks.
The courier must present the goods in a manner that matches the customs officer’s requirements. The screening, scanning, and other checks will be done as per instructions issued through public notices or Board guidelines. If the presentation is not as expected, it may lead to delays in clearance.
If imported goods are not cleared within 30 days after arrival, the person in custody of those goods can sell or dispose of them. However, this can only happen after notifying the Authorised Courier and the importer and getting permission from customs. This measure ensures that unclaimed goods do not remain in storage indefinitely.
To ship efficiently using courier services, you must undergo a proper ECCS registration process. Below is a simple breakdown of what you should focus on while registering with the ECCS.
The first requirement is to obtain an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This ten-digit unique identification number is required to conduct any export or import activities legally. Without it, you cannot proceed with the ECCS registration.
Once you have the IEC, you must register on the ECCS portal. This involves creating an account by entering the IEC and other business details. The portal serves as the primary platform for all future activities, making accurate information essential.
After account creation, you need to complete the ECCS registration form online. The form requests specific business information to connect you with the ECCS system. It is essential to provide accurate and error-free details to avoid delays later.
Along with the form, you must upload scanned copies of key documents. This usually includes the IEC certificate, PAN details, and evidence of the business address. These documents help customs officials verify the legitimacy of your business.
Once all documents are submitted, customs officers check the details. If everything matches and there are no issues, they approve the ECCS registration. This approval allows you to manage import shipments through the platform without hassle.
Without quick customs clearance, delays accumulate, resulting in missed delivery timelines and dissatisfied customers. Here’s how ECCS supports the development of cross-border eCommerce:
ECCS helps you deliver orders across countries more quickly. In an era where buyers expect their packages within one day or even the same day, any delay at customs can cause disappointment and lost sales. With ECCS, parcels clear customs more quickly, enabling you to meet tight delivery timelines and maintain customer trust.
Goods often get stuck at ports or airports due to slow customs checks. ECCS cuts down this waiting period by simplifying the clearance steps. This means facing fewer delays, which is crucial for products that rely on just-in-time stock. Faster clearance helps keep inventories fresh and operations steady.
Delays in customs can incur unexpected costs, such as penalties or storage fees, which can eat into your profits. ECCS minimises these risks by speeding up the process and improving accuracy, avoiding extra charges. Saving on these costs can make international sales more profitable and less risky.
Another challenge is not knowing the status of shipments during customs clearance. ECCS provides enhanced visibility with real-time tracking, allowing you to monitor your goods throughout the entire process. This helps you plan more effectively and communicate clearly with buyers about delivery times.
Manual customs paperwork often leads to errors that result in additional delays. ECCS reduces human mistakes by automating key steps and ensuring compliance with customs rules. This lowers the chance of rejection or holds at customs.
CargoX provides a straightforward solution for exporters to manage their B2B shipments under the ECCS with ease. It works like an extended part of your team, managing the back-end tasks of international cargo. We offer quick quotes and pick up your shipments within a day, thus moving bulk shipments efficiently.
We offer clear and digitalised workflows. Every step of your shipment is easy to track, providing full visibility and clear, transparent billing with no hidden fees. This fosters trust and ensures operations run smoothly. We also take care of all necessary paperwork, reducing usual delays caused by manual document handling.
Our platform spans over 100 countries, providing you with access to a comprehensive network that facilitates seamless customs clearance. This extensive reach helps your business send shipments globally. Our flexible shipping plans enable you to select services that suit your budget and schedule, making the process more manageable.
Reliability is another key benefit. We ensure your cargo will reach its destination on time, so you can plan delivery schedules. We do not impose weight limits, which allows us to ship large and heavy consignments effortlessly. Additionally, we provide strong support to resolve issues or disputes promptly, ensuring your shipments experience minimal disruption.
The ECCS has made customs clearances quicker and more secure by using modern technology. It eliminates the need for paperwork and reduces delays, enabling shipments to move faster. This system has boosted trade by making it easier for importers and exporters to receive and send goods without hassle. Especially for India’s eCommerce sector, ECCS has improved delivery and pickup services at the doorstep, making global trade more efficient.
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