The Office of the Principal Commissioner of Customs, Chennai-III, has issued a public notice announcing the mandatory implementation of Sea Departure Manifest (SDM) and Sea Departure Notification (SDN) messages at Chennai Port starting August 4, 2025. This change is part of the phased implementation of the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018. As a result, the existing Export General Manifest (EGM) filing system will be discontinued at Chennai from the specified date. The notice also emphasizes that filing these SCMTR messages is now a prerequisite for availing export incentives, as such benefits will be directly linked to the successful submission of SDM/SDN messages. Stakeholders, including shipping lines, agents, and importers, are advised to ensure timely and accurate filing to facilitate a smooth transition.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, CHENNAI-III
PREVENTIVE COMMISSIONERATE
CUSTOM HOUSE, NO.60, RAJAJI SALAI, CHENNAI 600 001
Telephone: 044-25254352
Email : pcommr3-cuschn@gov.in
F. No. I/(22)RPTS/83/2024-IMP
Public Notice No : 47/2025 – Customs | Dated: 28-07-2025
Sub: Implementation of SDM & SDN messages under SCMT Regulations, 2018 at Chennai Port (INMAA1) from 04.08.2025 – Reg.
Kind attention of Authorized Sea Carriers (Including Shipping Lines), Authorized Sea Agents (Steamer/Shipping Agents), Authorized Carriers (Transshippers), Terminal Operators, Custodians, Freight Forwarders, Importers, Exporters, Customs Brokers, authorized Persons of all above, Associations and Federations representing the above persons, and all other concerned stakeholders is invited to the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018 notified vide Notification No. 38/2018-Customs (N.T.) dated 11.05.2018, as amended and the Notification No. 40/2025-Customs(N.T.) dated 31st May 2025, wherein the transitional provisions for the implementation of SCMTR were extended up to 30th September 2025.
2. In this context, it is informed that mandatorily filing of SDM/SDN has been implemented at 28 ports so far.
3 . Further, in view of the phased implementation of SDM/SDN, the DGoS vide it’s letter dated 26.07.2025 issued in F.No.: DGSYS/APP/ICES/GEN/3/2024-O/o ADG-ICES-DGS-DELHI-Part(1), has identified Chennai as the next Port where export messages under SCMTR, i.e. Sea Departure Manifest (SDM) and Sea Departure Notification (SDN), shall be made mandatory with effect from 04.08.2025. Accordingly, the existing Export General Manifest (EGM) filing will be discontinued at Chennai from the said date.
4. It may also be noted that Export Incentives would be directly linked to the successful filing of SDM/SDN, therefore filing of these SCMTR messages is a pre-requisite to avail the eligible benefits.
5. In view of the above, the trade stakeholders are advised to file the SCMTR messages in a timely manner to ensure a smooth migration to the SCMTR regime. Any difficulty faced in this regard may be brought to the notice of the SCMTR Cell at Room No. 112G, 1st Floor, Ganga Block, Custom House, Chennai.
To,
1. The Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs, Chennai Customs Zone, Custom House, Chennai.
2. The Principal Commissioner/ Commissioner of Customs, Chennai (Airport /Import/Export/Preventive /Air Cargo/General) Commissionerate – For information Customs Zone, Custom House, Chennai.
3. The Superintendent of Customs, CHS – For displaying on Notice Board.
4. EDI- For Publication in Chennai Customs Website.
5. CCHA, Chennai.
6. CHENSAA, Chennai.
7. Console Agents Association, Chennai.
8. Terminal Operators in Chennai Customs Seaports.
9. Freight Forwarders Association of India, Chennai.
