Steps to Sorting out EGM (Export General Manifest) Errors

Sorting out EGM (Export General Manifest) Errors involves addressing any discrepancies or mistakes found in the submitted Export General Manifest EGM to ensure that the export process complies with Indian Customs regulations. The EGM's faulty records may result in delayed export clearance and potential economic penalties, along with the risk of having goods seized unless properly corrected ahead of schedule.

Shipping lines and airlines use the EGM to declare export cargo; therefore, accuracy in recorded data must match every other export document from the shipping bill to the bill of lading. Businesses need to address errors as soon as possible to allow the products to continue the export process without delays.

Manifest: Common Types of Export General Manifest(EGM) Errors

1. Incorrect Exporter Details:

The Shipping Bill exporter information does not harmonize with the details listed on the EGM because the exporter provided an incorrect name or address.
Solution: The same information for the exporter should be entered as the EGM contains both name, address, and GSTIN, which must match exactly with the shipping bill information.

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Incorrect Consignee Information:

The person receiving the goods can experience entry problems with their address information.
Solution: You should double-check that all consignee information, including their name and address, together with their essential details, matches correctly. Amend the EGM if necessary.

Incorrect Bill of Lading or Airway Bill Number:

The Bill of Lading or Airway Bill number present in the EGM shows potential errors as it does not match the shipment documents.
Solution: Make sure the Bill of Lading or Airway Bill identification receives proper input while verifying it matches all shipping documentation.

Inaccurate Cargo Description:

The cargo description contains incorrect information about goods classification and weight measurements, as well as the quantity and nature of products.
Solution: You must confirm that the cargo description included in the shipping bill and all shipping papers is accurate. When discrepancies appear, one should perform the required corrections.

Wrong Port of Export/Departure:

The shipping bill may contain either the wrong mention of the Port of Export (the Indian port from where the goods are leaving) or the Port of Departure (the airport or seaport).
Solution: Double-check the Port of Export information present in the Export General Manifest (EGM) to guarantee accuracy in its contents. Amend the document if necessary.

Mismatch of container/seal numbers:

As an alternative action, the reporting of incorrect data involving container and seal identification numbers should be handled.
Solution: The EGM should include a comparison between recorded container or seal numbers and shipment documentation while checking actual physical numbers. Correct any mismatches.

Incorrect departure date:

The departure time recorded in the EGM error list is an inaccurate date for the vessel's departure.
Solution: The EGM needs an immediate update with correct departure date information after confirming its true departure time.

Steps to Rectify Errors in the Export General Manifest(EGM):

1. Identify the error:

A detailed inspection of the EGM needs to verify whether all information matches between declaration records and export documents including shipping bills and bills of lading and bills.
Internal reviews and Customs clearance functions both detect any possible errors present in EGMs.

Amend the EGM: The EGM system provides functionality to correct errors or inconsistencies, which should lead to amendments. The EGM amendment responsibility typically falls on shipper companies airline operators and shipping organisations as carriers.

Indian exporters need to make EGM modifications electronically at the ICEGATE portal.
The Indian Customs Electronic Gateway, known as the ICEGATE portal, provides this service.

2. Amendments can be made for:

Shipper/consignee details, along with other minor mistakes require correction in the EGM system.

The process requires adding essential information that has been omitted from the document, like the absent Bill of Lading number.
Expando-register data according to the information found on real export documents.

3. Timeframe for Amendment:

The EGM submission process requires changes before the vessel/flight takes its departure. Sea cargo amendments should be completed at least 24 hours in advance, whereas air cargo amendments need to be submitted no less than 4 hours beforehand.

The resolution process starts between the carrier and Customs officials once the shipping personnel detect errors that occurred after the loading operation completion.

4. Submit supporting documents:

Customs expects updated export documents such as shipping bills, bills of Lading, and other export documentation for substantial errors made to cargo descriptions or consignee details.

5. Confirmation from Customs:

After the EGM operator corrects the error in the customs system, Customs processes the updated manifest for approval.

Upon successful customization of the amended EGM Customs will provide confirmation to the carrier through their system.

6. Update Other Export Documents:

Verification of amended export details should occur in all necessary documents, such as the shipping bill and bill of lading or airline bill, to prevent clearance-related discrepancies.

Consequences of not correcting EGM errors:

Delays in export clearance: The absence of error correction will lead Customs to delay the goods, which creates transport blockages throughout the export operation.

Fines and Penalties: Customs authorities enforce fines or penalties against exporters because they cannot resolve their EGM errors. Accurate and compliant export declaration is particularly essential to avoid such risks.

Rejection of Export: Rejection of export consignments becomes possible when exporters fail to fix EGM errors, which leads them to face clearance denial before they can re-submit shipment clearance.

Risk of seizure: Customs can seize the goods when serious errors reveal possible illegal actions, including misclassifications or undervaluations.

Best practices to avoid EGM errors:

Double-Check Documentation: Before submitting the EGM, cross-check all details with the Shipping Bill, Bill of Lading, and other relevant documents.

Use technology for accuracy: Utilize available EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) systems to ensure that data is entered correctly. Software systems can help reduce errors and automate the process.

Regular Training: Ensure that personnel handling exports are well-trained in Customs regulations and the documentation required for filing EGM.

Work with Experienced Customs Brokers: If you are unsure about filing the EGM correctly, consider working with experienced Customs brokers or consultants to ensure compliance.

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Conclusion

The processing of exports requires proper management of EGM errors to meet Indian Customs standards and prevent export delays. Accurate verification of details followed by timely modifications to the EGM system will maintain continuous export operations while preventing penalties and other negative effects. Through proper processes, exporters and their carriers can resolve issues effectively to speed up customs clearance of their shipments.