New Delhi, March 17 (NationPress) The government has announced the extension of relief measures for export cargo until March 31, due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the current conflict involving Iran. This decision is intended to assist exporters who are encountering delays and logistical hurdles in the Gulf region.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has released a new standard operating procedure under the Customs Act, acknowledging the persistent uncertainty in the area. Previous relief measures, which were announced last week, were set to expire on March 23.

Under the revised guidelines, the government has broadened international transshipment facilities for less than container load (LCL) cargo to include all designated ports and airports throughout the nation.

This facility was previously restricted to select ports such as Chennai and Cochin.

The updated measures also permit the temporary unloading and storage of diverted liquid and bulk cargo within customs zones.

This initiative is anticipated to alleviate congestion and streamline the handling of shipments that are being redirected due to the ongoing disruptions.

To further facilitate processes, containers returning to Indian ports can now be unloaded at terminals without the need to file standard import documents like a Bill of Entry.

Nonetheless, customs officials will verify shipping documents and inspect the integrity of container seals.

Any container with tampered or broken seals will undergo a comprehensive physical examination.

Additionally, the CBIC has permitted the cancellation of shipping bills for such consignments, even when the Export General Manifest (EGM) has already been submitted.

A new feature will be integrated into the ICES system to facilitate these cancellations and ensure that export incentives are not improperly claimed.

The disruptions have considerable ramifications for India’s trade, particularly with the Gulf Cooperation Council, which comprises countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.

This bloc is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $178.56 billion in FY25, representing about 16 percent of the nation’s total global trade.

The Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is a vital corridor for this trade.

However, the waterway has been severely impacted following the onset of conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, resulting in significant shipping disruptions.