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What is a Shipping Bill in Export?

What is a Shipping Bill in Export?

Posted on May 16, 2025

Infinity|What is a Shipping bill in export?
Infinity|What is a Shipping bill in export?

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As an exporter, you need to follow certain compliances and submit the right documentation to ensure everything goes smoothly at customs. One of the most important documents in this process is the shipping bill.

Think of the shipping bill as your shipment’s boarding pass—it’s the final green light from customs that says, “This consignment is good to go.” Without it, your goods can’t legally leave the country.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the shipping bill—what it is, why it’s important, the types of shipping bills, and the step-by-step process to file it correctly. 

What is a shipping bill?

A shipping bill is a document that any exporter must file with the customs clearance department to export any shipment from India. It is a kind of declaration of what is being exported out of India, it includes details like:

  • Nature of the goods

  • Value and quantity of goods

  • Exporter details

  • Consignee details

  • Mode of transport

Basically, a shipping bill is a custom's permission slip to allow the goods to physically leave India, whether by air, vehicle, or vessel. It also helps the customs authorities calculate duties and taxes on exported goods.

Shipping bill is generated automatically through ICEGATE and is mandatory for clearing goods at ports or airports.

Once the shipping bill is approved, it acts as a basis for

  • Custom permission slip (Custom clearance)

  • Claiming benefits like RoDTEP

  • Filing for regulations under FEMA

Here’s a sample shipping bill for exports:

Infinity|shipping bill

Source: Club4CA

If you are exporting without a shipping bill in your hands, it means that you are shipping illegally. It is one of the key documents to prove that the transaction has actually happened.

Importance of the Shipping Bill for Exporters

If you are an exporter in India, then shipping bill is not just a formality to be done, it is actually a ticket for your goods to get out of the country. Custom department needs this document the most, without shipping bill, custom won't let your documents move.

Here is why the shipping bill is the most important document:

Official export declaration: The shipping bill tells the customs each and every detail of the shipment. Who are you sending it to, what's the value and quantity, and what you are sending—all the details are in the shipping bill.

  • Dependence of custom clearance: For the customs department, no shipping bill means no clearance. It is a document that custom officers review before giving the green light for export.

  • Export incentive: For claiming the export incentives like RoDTEP, MEIS etc., you will need a shipping bill as a proof.

  • Export history: For tracking export transactions, the shipping bill acts as a record for export history.

In short, if you are a first time exporter or doing it for a long time, the shipping bill is one document you cannot skip.

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What Are the Different Types of Shipping Bills for Exporters?

Different types of exports require different kinds of shipping bills. Not all exports are the same, based on the nature of the shipment and the kind of export you are doing. Here is a list of different types of shipping bills:

  • Free shipping bill: It’s a white-coloured shipping bill when the exporting goods don’t qualify for any export incentives.

  • Dutiable shipping bill: You need this yellow-coloured shipping bill when you have to pay export duty. .Custom duty will be calculated based on the duty of the bill.

  • Drawback shipping bill: If you want to claim a duty drawback, you need a green-coloured drawback shipping bill. It helps you in getting a refund of duties that you have already paid while importing raw material for the shipment.

  • EPS shipping bill: This shipping bill refers to the Export Promotion Scheme Shipping Bill. It’s used when goods are exported under government incentive schemes such as EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) or MEIS (Merchandise Exports from India Scheme). It’s essential to file this type of shipping bill to claim the benefits offered under these programs.

Exporters can file for these shipping bills electronically through the ICEGATE portal, and based on the export declaration, the correct types of shipping bills are selected.

What are the Key Components of a Shipping Bill?

A shipping bill is one of the most important documents for moving your shipment out of the country. So, before going to fill out the form, it's important to know the key components of a shipping bill. Here is what you will find in a shipping bill:

  • Exporter details: This section basically requires your details, like name, IEC code, address, etc.

  • Consignee Information: Details of who you are sending goods to, like- name, address, country etc.

  • Nature of consignment: An accurate description of the goods and nature of the consignment, like product name, type and its overall description.

  • HS code :This code helps the custom to identify the nature of your goods properly. This 8 digit code is crucial for incentive, compliance and duty.

  • Shipping bill type: As explaid above, different types of shipping bills, this will determine how the customs department will treat your shipment.

  • Mode of transport: This clarifies whether your shipment will move through air, seo or land.

  • LUT/Bond details: If you are exporting without paying the GST, those details must be included here too.

Read More: IEC Code vs Export Licence: What’s the difference?

Documents Required for Filing a Shipping Bill

You will need to arrange a few shipping bills before filling one out. This will help customs to verify your shipment and make sure everything is in order. Here is a list of documents needed:

  • Commercial invoice: This has the details of the goods being exported- quantity, quality, price, terms of sale, etc.

  • Packing list: This has details of goods that are packed- like weight, number of boxes, dimensions and what is inside the boxes.

  • IEC code: This is the importer exporter code, and it's like an ID card for your export business.

  • Export/Purchase order: This is a proof of order from your overseas buyers.

  • Declaration: A declaration provided by you that the information given is true and you have all the documents to verify it.

  • LUT or Bond documents: If you are exporting without GST under LUT then you need to submit the document for the same.

Once you have gathered all these documents, you are ready to file for a shipping bill on the ICEGATE portal. The documents and details must be accurate, any mismatch might lead to rejection from the custom department.

How to Generate a Shipping Bill Online?

You can get shipping bill from ICEGATE by following these steps: 

  • Register with Customs: Register with the ICEGATE using IEC or Customs House Agents (CHA) license No. and Authorised Dealer Code No. of the bank through which your export proceeds will be realised.

  • Login to ICEGATE: Sign in to ICEGATE platform using your email id and credentials and fill in the required details, such as exporter and consignee details, item description, and shipping details. 

  • Verify the checklist: Once you submit all the necessary documents and details, a checklist will be generated. 

  • Get the ‘Let Export Order’: The customs department reviews your details and documents and generates a ‘Let Export Order.’

  • File Export General Manifest (EGM): The shipping line/carrier files the EGM, which is mandatory before printing the final shipping bill

  • Download the shipping bill: Login to ICEGATE portal and navigate to Services → Document Download → Shipping Bill. Enter the required details such as your Shipping Bill number, date, and in some cases, the port code. Once submitted, the system will generate a downloadable PDF version of your shipping bill.

You can also track and download your shipping bill through the DGFT Download Shipping Bill Status page. Simply enter your Shipping Bill number or IEC, along with the relevant date range and captcha, then submit the request to fetch and download the document. 

Infinity|ICEGATE
  • Step 3: Go to shipping bill system in the menu

  • Step 4: 

What is the difference between a shipping bill and a bill of lading?

Exporters usually get confused between these two terms. So, here is a quick summary of the difference between the two:

🧩 Quick Summary:

Aspect

Shipping Bill

Bill of Lading

Purpose

Customs clearance

Proof of shipment & transport contract

Issued by

Custom department

Shipping line or carrier

Focus

Export documentation

Logistics and transport

Used by

Exporter, Customs

Exporter, importer and carrier

Read more: What is a bill of lading? And where is it used?

Conclusion

Getting your shipping bill right is one of the most important steps in your exporting business. It is not just a regular document, it is important as it gets the green signal from the customs department of India to send your shipment abroad. Whether you are new to export or scaling up your export business, getting the right shipping bill will save you from the delays, penalties and missed opportunities.

At Infinity, we understanfd the importance of compliance related paperwork, especially when you alone have to deal with a number of documents and other paperwork. That is why we help Indian exporters to not just receive international payments but also help you with the export process from end to end.

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FAQs

1. Is a shipping bill required for every export shipment from India?

Yes, filing a shipping bill is mandatory for all export shipments—whether by air, sea, or land. Without it, customs won’t allow the goods to leave the country.

2. Can I file a shipping bill manually?

No, in most cases, shipping bills must be filed electronically through the ICEGATE portal. This makes the process faster, more transparent, and trackable.

3. Do I need a shipping bill to receive foreign payment?

Yes. Banks and regulatory bodies often require a shipping bill to process and verify inward remittances under export transactions, especially for compliance with FEMA guidelines.

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An All in one Banking Platform for SMBs and Startups

© 2024 Scalifi Wealth Pvt Ltd.

AMFI

ARN

274654

+91 95354 82864

support@infinityapp.in

Disclaimer: Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Please consider your specific investment requirements before choosing a fund, or designing a portfolio that suits your needs.