Logistics · 5 min read
Shipping Bill and Let Export Order Explained: India's Export Clearance in Plain English
Two documents stand between a packed container and the vessel. Here is what they are.
Quick answer
The shipping bill is the export declaration filed with Indian customs, describing the goods, their value, the exporter and the destination. Once customs has assessed it and, if required, examined the cargo, it grants the let export order (LEO), which allows the container to be loaded onto the vessel. The LEO date is also used for export incentives and records.
What is on a shipping bill?
- Exporter details and IEC
- Description and classification of the goods
- Quantity and value
- Port of loading and destination
- Invoice and packing references
What causes delays?
- Mismatches between invoice, packing list and declaration
- Wrong product classification
- Missing certificates
- Filing too close to the vessel cut-off
Frequently asked questions
Who files the shipping bill?
Usually the CHA (customs broker) on behalf of the exporter.
