Customs clearance FAQs for importers, exporters & forwarders

Yes — they are the same thing. "Custom House Agent" (CHA), also written customs house agent, is the traditional Indian term; since the Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations the official title is "Customs Broker", and CBIC issues the licence. Most importers and exporters still say CHA, and you will see both used interchangeably. A "C&F agent" (clearing and forwarding agent) usually means the same firm doing both the customs clearance and the freight forwarding — which is exactly what Satyam Worldwide does. So whether you are looking for a CHA in Nhava Sheva, a custom house agent in Navi Mumbai, or a customs clearance agent in Mumbai, you are looking for what we do.

Check five things. First, that the licence is real and current — ask for the CB number (ours is 11/2264). Second, that they physically work at your port; an agent who sub-contracts to someone else at Nhava Sheva adds a day and a margin. Third, that one named person owns your file, so you are not re-explaining the shipment to a call centre. Fourth, that the quote is itemised — statutory duty, port and CFS charges, and agency fee shown separately, with no vague "miscellaneous". Fifth, that they know your commodity: pharma, chemicals and electronics each answer to different agencies, and inexperience there is what causes long holds.

Our core gateways are Nhava Sheva / JNPT (sea), the Air Cargo Complex at Sahar, Mumbai (air), Mumbai Port, regional ICDs and CFSs, and the Foreign Post Office for EMS / Speed Post consignments. Through our network we also coordinate clearance at other major Indian ports and airports including Mundra, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi and Bengaluru.

Yes — that is a large part of our work. Around 70% of our clients are multinationals. We act as the destination customs broker and handling agent in India for overseas shippers, forwarders and NVOCCs: we clear the cargo, arrange inland transport, keep your consignee informed and invoice in a way that suits your agreement. Email info@satyamworldwideclearing.com or message us on WhatsApp to set up an agency arrangement.

Our agency charges depend on the mode (air or sea), cargo type, number of packages, licences involved and whether examination or PGA clearance is required. Those rates are separate from the statutory customs duty and IGST, and from port, terminal and CFS charges, which are set by the authorities and passed through at cost. We quote transparently, item by item, with no hidden charges — you see exactly what is our fee and what is a pass-through. Send us your invoice, packing list and HS code and you will normally have a full quotation the same working day, free of charge and with no obligation.

Yes. Cargo can be moved into a customs bonded warehouse so duty is paid later, when you actually clear the goods for home consumption — useful when cash flow, storage or phased delivery matters. We handle the into-bond Bill of Entry, the ex-bond clearance, and MOOWR scheme support for manufacturers who want duty deferment on imported inputs and capital goods.

With complete documents received in advance, air imports at ACC Sahar are usually cleared within 24 hours of arrival and sea imports at Nhava Sheva within 2–4 working days including examination. Where prior Bill of Entry filing is possible we file before arrival so assessment is complete when the cargo lands.

Commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, IEC, GSTIN and AD Code details, purchase order, Certificate of Origin where a preferential duty is claimed, and any product-specific licence or NOC (BIS, CDSCO, WPC/ETA, FSSAI, PESO, Quarantine). We will tell you exactly what is missing before anything is filed.

Yes. We routinely handle pharmaceuticals and medical devices (CDSCO / ADC), electronics and wireless equipment (BIS, WPC / ETA), chemicals and hazardous cargo (PESO, DG), food and agro products (FSSAI, Plant & Animal Quarantine) and capital goods under EPCG. Restricted items are handled strictly within the applicable licensing framework.

Yes. Our DGFT desk handles Advance Authorisation, EPCG and DFIA issuance, amendment, EODC and redemption, along with Duty Drawback and RoDTEP claims — and we make sure the shipping bill is filed correctly at the outset so the benefit is not lost later.

You receive proactive milestone updates on WhatsApp and email — arrival, filing, assessment, examination, duty payment, out-of-charge and delivery — from one named contact who owns your file end to end.

Yes, and we enjoy it. We help new traders obtain an IEC, register the AD Code at the port of use, complete ICEGATE and GST LUT formalities, understand incoterms and duty structures, and get the first shipment through cleanly.

Off. No. 405, Grohitham Premises, Sector-19B, Sanpada, Vashi, Navi Mumbai – 400 705, Maharashtra, India — minutes from Nhava Sheva and well connected to the Mumbai Air Cargo Complex.

Use the enquiry form on our contact page, email info@satyamworldwideclearing.com, or tap the WhatsApp button and message +91 97692 00018. Share the port pair, HS code, incoterm and cargo details and we will revert with a transparent all-inclusive quote.