Import General Manifest or IGM is a legal document submitted to Indian customs to declare all about the goods coming to India via aircraft or vessel. The document contains information such as cargo description, buyer details, quantity, and transport information.
IGM is submitted by the carrier or its authorized agent to customs to clear the shipment legally. It also makes the process easy for the authorities to know about the cargo information and complete the essential clearance procedures.
How It Works:
- Goods arrive at a port or airport.
- The carrier prepares a detailed list of all cargo.
- The manifest is submitted to customs authorities.
- Customs verifies shipment details.
- It is used for clearance and tracking of goods.
Benefits:
- Ensures transparency in imports
- Helps customs monitor incoming cargo
- Supports accurate documentation
- Makes clearance process smoother.
Example:
A shipment arriving from China at an Indian airport with electronic goods. The carrier has to file an IGM with customs and declare all about the cargo for clearance.