The Ministry of Finance issued Circular No. 02/2025-Customs to inform stakeholders of the extended implementation of the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR). The original schedule for SCMTR, which began phase-wise implementation across nine sea ports, faced challenges with certain message filings. As a result, the implementation has been extended as an interim measure to ensure smooth EXIM operations without penalizing the trade community. The extension aims to allow adequate time for stakeholders to comply with the regulations. Customs authorities have been instructed to conduct fortnightly outreach programs to assist stakeholders during this extended period. The Circular emphasizes that electronic filing of SCMTR messages should continue as per the prescribed format. The Circular urges wide publicity and invites feedback on any difficulties faced during implementation.
Circular No. 02/2025-Customs
F. No. 450/58/2015-Cus IV (Pt. I)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
(Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)
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Room No.229 A, North Block, New Delhi,
Dated the 17th January, 2025
All Principal Chief Commissioners/Chief Commissioners of Customs/Customs (Preventive),
All Principal Chief Commissioners/Chief Commissioners of Customs & Central Tax,
All Principal Commissioners/ Commissioners of Customs/Customs (Preventive),
All Principal Director Generals/Director Generals under CBIC.
Subject: Implementation of the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR)-reg.
Madam/Sir,
Kind attention is invited to the Notification No. 57/2024-Customs (N.T.) dated 31st August, 2024 whereby phase-wise implementation of SCMTR at various ports was notified. As per the schedule, SCMTR was implemented after extensive consultation with trade and all stakeholders. The SCMTR has already been rolled out at 9 sea ports. The SCMTR systems have been comprehensively tested and have incorporated feedback from the trade.
2. Further, attention is invited to the Notification No. 02/2025-Customs (N.T.) dated 15th January, 2025 vide which date for implementation of the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR) for certain ports has been extended. The implementation of SCMTR has been extended as interim measure considering the issues faced by trade on filing of certain SCMTR messages.
3. It is hereby informed that extension of SCMTR with additional time frame has been done with the intention that there is smooth EXIM operation and trade does not gets penalized during the initial phase of implementation. Accordingly, it is advised that the electronic filing of messages should be done in the format as prescribed in SCMTR during this time frame also.
4. The Chief Commissioners of Customs in coordination with the Directorate General of Systems are requested to conduct fortnightly outreach programs in their respective zones so that the extended time frame is fully utilized by all stakeholders for smooth implementation of SCMTR.
5. This Circular may be given wide publicity by issuing suitable Trade Notice/Public Notice. Difficulties, if any, in the implementation of the above Circular may be brought to the notice of the Board.
6. Hindi version follows.
Yours faithfully,
(Dhananjay Singh)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Email: uscus4.dor@gov.in
