Guide on Air IGM

Air Import General Manifest (IGM) is a crucial document in air cargo shipments that details the imported goods. It is filed by the carrier or their agents upon arrival at the airport, ensuring customs authorities have accurate information for clearance. This process is essential for maintaining smooth business operations in the import sector.

Who requires Air IGM?

Importers

Importers need an Air IGM to ensure their goods are accurately recorded with customs. This document is crucial for:

Customs clearance: Ensures that all imported goods are properly declared, facilitating the customs clearance process.

Legal compliance: Helps importers adhere to national import regulations, avoiding potential fines or legal issues.

Inventory management: Provides detailed information on incoming shipments, aiding in efficient inventory control and management.

Freight forwarders

Freight forwarders require Air IGMs to coordinate and manage logistics effectively. This document assists them in:

Shipment tracking: Ensures all goods are accounted for and can be tracked from origin to destination.

Documentation: Provides necessary details for preparing other shipping documents, ensuring all paperwork is complete and accurate.

Client communication: Offers clear and detailed information about the shipment, which can be relayed to clients, enhancing service transparency and reliability.

Customs authorities

Customs authorities use Air IGMs to monitor and regulate incoming air cargo. Their responsibilities include:

Security checks: Ensuring all goods are safe and comply with security regulations.

Revenue collection: Calculating and collecting applicable duties and taxes on imported goods business.

Regulatory enforcement: Ensuring all imports meet national and international regulations, preventing illegal or unsafe goods from entering the country.

Airline carriers

Airline carriers need Air IGMs for:

Operational efficiency: Streamlining cargo handling processes at airports.

Legal requirements: Ensuring compliance with international air cargo regulations.

Cargo management: Managing the flow of goods through their network, preventing delays and ensuring timely delivery.

Steps to file for an Air IGM

Step 1: Preparation of documents

Gather necessary information: Ensure you have all the required details about the shipment, including consignee and consignor information, description of goods, weight, and quantity.

Prepare the Air IGM: Fill out the Air IGM form with accurate information about the imported goods.

Step 2: Submission to customs

Online submission: Submit the Air IGM electronically through the designated customs portal or ICEGATE.

Manual submission: In some cases, a manual submission might be required. Ensure all documents are correctly filled out and submitted to the relevant customs office.

Step 3: Verification by customs

Document verification: Customs authorities will review the submitted Air IGM to ensure all details are accurate and complete.

Inspection: Depending on the nature of the goods, customs may conduct a physical inspection of the shipment.

Step 4: Clearance

Approval: Once verified, customs will approve the Air IGM, allowing the shipment to proceed.

Payment of duties: Pay any applicable customs duties and taxes to finalise the import process.

Step 5: Record keeping

Documentation: Keep a copy of the approved Air IGM and all related documents for your records.

Compliance: Ensure all records are maintained in compliance with national regulations, as they may be required for future reference or audits.

Enquiring about Air Import General Manifest (IGM) on ICEGATE

Accessing the ICEGATE portal

Login: Access the ICEGATE portal using your credentials. Ensure you have registered and have the necessary permissions to enquire about Air IGMs.

Navigation: Navigate to the 'IGM Enquiry' section on the portal.

Searching for the IGM

IGM number: Enter the specific Air IGM number to find detailed information about a particular shipment.

Date range: Use the date range filter to search for IGMs filed within a specific timeframe.

Viewing details

Shipment information: Review the detailed information provided, including consignee and consignor details, description of goods, and shipment status.

Customs status: Check the customs clearance status to see if the shipment has been approved, is under inspection, or if there are any issues requiring attention.

Downloading reports

Report generation: Generate and download detailed reports of the Air IGM enquiries for record-keeping and further analysis.

Data export: Export the data into various formats (e.g., PDF, Excel) for easy sharing and integration with other systems.

Customer support

Helpdesk: If you encounter any issues or need assistance, contact the ICEGATE helpdesk for support.

FAQs: Review the frequently asked questions section for quick answers to common queries about Air IGM enquiries.

Differences between Import General Manifest (IGM) and Gateway IGM (GIGM):

Aspect	Import General Manifest (IGM)	Gateway IGM (GIGM)
Definition	Document detailing imported goods via air	Document detailing goods passing through a gateway airport
Purpose	Facilitates customs clearance of imported goods	Tracks goods in transit through multiple airports
Submitted by	Carrier or their agents	Airline handling the gateway operations
Timing	Submitted upon arrival of goods at the destination airport	Submitted when goods pass through a gateway airport
Customs involvement	Directly involves customs authorities for clearance	Primarily for tracking and routing purposes
Documentation	Detailed list of imported items for clearance	Summary of goods passing through the gateway
Use case	Importers and customs authorities	Airline carriers and logistics providers
Legal requirement	Mandatory for all air imports	Required for monitoring transit goods
Focus	Ensuring proper import documentation	Efficient transit management

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between Import General Manifest (IGM) and Gateway IGM (GIGM) is crucial for efficient air cargo management and compliance. Both documents play vital roles in ensuring smooth business operations and regulatory adherence.

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