Entry Inward and Vessel Sail-out Clearance must be granted...

Entry Inward and Vessel Sail-out Clearance must be granted promptly on filing the requisite documents, including Sea Arrival Manifest and Sea Departure Manifest, and completion of prescribed checks, without insisting on physical boarding of the vessel. The circular clarifies that entry inward, sail-out clearance, and boarding are separate statutory processes under the Customs Act, 1962, and that boarding under section 37 is independent of clearance formalities. Physical boarding by Customs officers is to be undertaken on a risk-based basis, with field formations required to consider compliance behaviour, voyage pattern, cargo nature and other relevant safety and security parameters.