Vizhinjam Port Set to Launch Gateway EXIM Operations on August 18

New Era for Vizhinjam International Seaport

Thiruvananthapuram, July 25: The Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised to reach a significant milestone with the launch of full-scale export-import (EXIM) cargo operations starting August 18. This development will transition the port from being solely an international transshipment hub to a vital gateway for India's international trade.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will officiate the inauguration of these operations, marking a pivotal moment for Kerala's largest infrastructure initiative.

With this launch, Vizhinjam will begin managing cargo for Indian importers and exporters, greatly enhancing its role in the nation's maritime industry.

The Customs Commissioner in Kochi has released a comprehensive operational framework for the initiation of these gateway cargo operations.

This public notice outlines the necessary procedures, customs regulations, and operational guidelines that shipping lines, exporters, importers, customs brokers, terminal operators, and logistics service providers must adhere to.

Previously, Vizhinjam operated exclusively as a transshipment hub, facilitating the transfer of containers between large vessels and feeder ships.

From August 18, the port will also accommodate India's export and import cargo, providing businesses in Kerala and surrounding areas with direct access to international shipping services via Vizhinjam.

As a Container Freight Station (CFS) is not yet operational, Customs has mandated a phased implementation.

Initially, imports will be limited to Direct Port Delivery (DPD) of Full Container Load (FCL) containers, requiring importers to transport cargo directly from the terminal to their locations within 48 hours.

During this initial phase, Less than Container Load (LCL) cargo and containers needing de-stuffing or CFS examination will not be allowed.

Exports will similarly be restricted to Direct Port Entry (DPE) of factory-stuffed, self-sealed, or Customs-sealed FCL containers.

Loose cargo that requires stuffing or examination at the port will not be accepted until further infrastructure is established.

The notification also allows for the road transshipment of containerized cargo between Vizhinjam and Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Land Customs Stations, and other designated Customs stations under the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018.

All involved parties are required to complete cargo documentation electronically via the ICEGATE platform in line with the SCMTR framework.

Customs oversight of EXIM cargo will be coordinated with Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd. (VISL), Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd. (AVPPL), the Mercantile Marine Department, Port Health Organisation, Bureau of Immigration, Coastal Police, authorized banks, and other governmental bodies.

The initiation of gateway operations represents a major commercial achievement for Vizhinjam since its launch.

By incorporating direct import-export capabilities alongside its existing transshipment operations, the port is taking a significant step towards becoming a comprehensive maritime logistics center and enhancing Kerala's status on the global shipping landscape.

This inauguration also holds symbolic importance.

Satheesan is the third Chief Minister to oversee a crucial phase of the Vizhinjam project, following Oommen Chandy, who advanced the project into implementation, and Pinarayi Vijayan, under whose leadership the port was completed and inaugurated as an international transshipment hub.

With the commencement of gateway EXIM operations, Vizhinjam embarks on a new chapter in its commercial evolution.