**Executive Summary**
This circular, dated October 8th, 2025, addresses the implementation of the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018. It informs stakeholders of the PAN India implementation of Sea Arrival Manifest (SAM) and Sea Departure Manifest (SDM), updates on the Stuffing Message (SF) pilot program, and extends the transitional provisions for SCMTR until December 31st, 2025. DG Systems is to test and operationalize all remaining messages under SCMTR by December 31st, 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Implementation Status:**
* Sea Arrival Manifest (SAM) and Sea Entry Inward (SEI) were implemented PAN India on January 16th, 2025.
* Sea Departure Manifest (SDM) was implemented PAN India on August 26th, 2025. The amendment message of SDM is also live and currently operational.
* The Stuffing Message (SF) is under pilot implementation at ICD Tughlakabad and CFS-Sattva under Chennai Customs, effective from September 29th, 2025.
* **Deadline and Requirements:**
* DG Systems shall test and operationalize all remaining messages under SCMTR by December 31st, 2025.
* Transitional provisions for SCMTR are extended until December 31st, 2025.
* Stakeholders must file correct declarations in the prescribed format electronically.
* SAM and SDM messages must be filed correctly in terms of Sections 30, 41, 53 and 54 of the Customs Act 1962 and SCMTR 2018.
* **Monitoring and Support:**
* A Task Force has been constituted to monitor the implementation of SCMTR, 2018.
* Issues faced by stakeholders should be reported to DG Systems.
* **Outreach and Communication:**
* Chief Commissioners of Customs, in coordination with DG Systems, are requested to conduct weekly outreach programs.
* The Circular should be given wide publicity by issuing suitable Trade/Public Notices.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: DG Systems**
* **Impact**: Responsible for testing and operationalizing remaining messages under SCMTR.
* **Action Required**: Test and operationalize all remaining messages under SCMTR by December 31st, 2025.
**Stakeholder: Customs Brokers, Importers, Exporters, and Custodians (Stakeholders)**
* **Impact**: Must comply with the extended transitional provisions and file correct declarations.
* **Action Required**: File correct declarations in the prescribed format electronically, adhering to the extended timeline of December 31st, 2025, and ensure SAM/SDM messages are filed correctly as per the Customs Act 1962 and SCMTR 2018.
**Stakeholder: Chief Commissioners of Customs**
* **Impact**: Responsible for sensitization of stakeholders in respective zones.
* **Action Required**: Conduct weekly outreach programs in their respective zones to sensitize stakeholders on SCMTR implementation.
Key Entities Referenced
Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR): Regulations governing the manifest and transshipment of sea cargo in India.
Customs Act 1962: The principal legislation governing customs laws in India, referenced for legal compliance.
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs: The apex body responsible for formulating policy concerning indirect taxes and customs in India.
Chennai Customs: Relevant Customs jurisdiction that the pilot program for the Stuffing Message (SF) is under.
450/58/2015-Cus.JV(Pt1) I/128047/2025
Circular No. 25/2025-Customs
F. No. 450/58/2015-Cus.IV(Pt.I)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
(Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)
k***
Room No. 227B, North Block, New Delhi,
Dated the o8th October, 2025
To,
All Principal Chief Commissioners/Chief Commissioners (Customs/Customs
(Preventive)/Customs &C entral Tax),
All Principal Commissioners/Commissioners of Customs/Customs (Preventive).
AllP rincipal Director General/Director Generals under CBIC.
Subject: Implementation of the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations
(SCMTR)-reg.
Madam/Sir,
Kind attention is invited towards the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment
Regulations (SCMTR), 2018 issued vide Notification No. 38/2018 dated 11n May, 2018
(as amended) and Customs Notification No. 61/2025-Customs (N.T.) dated 30th
September, 2025.
2 The Board has examined the implementation of the Sea Cargo Manifest and
Transshipment Regulations (SCMTR) and it has been noted that Sea Arrival Manifest
(SAM), Sea Entry Inward (SEI) were implemented PAN India on 16th January, 2025.
Sea Departure Manifest (SDM) has been implemented pan India w.e.f. 26th August,
2025. The amendment message of SDM is also live and currently operational. The
Stuffing Message (SF), filed by the custodian, has been implemented on a pilot basis at
two sites, namely lICD Tughlakabad and CFS-Sattva under Chennai Customs, with effect
from 29th September, 2025. Further, DG Systems shall test, and operationalize the
remaining all messages under SCMTR by 31st December, 2025.
3 A Task Force has already been constituted in this regard to closely monitor the
implementation of the SCMTR, 2018. Accordingly, any issues faced by stakeholders
may be brought to the notice of DG Systems.
In furtherance of facilitation, the transitional provisions for the SCMTR have been
4.|/128047/ 2025
450/58/2015-Cus.V(PA.1)
extendedt ill 31st December, 2025 vide Notification No. 61/2025-Customs (N.T.) dated
30th September, 2025. During this extended timeline, all stakeholders are required to file
Sco Dr Mre c mt d ee sc sl aa gra et si on ws illi n b eth e fi lep dr e cs ocr ri rb ece td ly f o ir nm ta et r mel se ct or fo n Si ec cal tl iy o. n It 3 i 0s , ex 4p 1e , c 5te 3d ath na dt 5S 4A M of a tn hd e
Customs Act 1962 and SCMTR2 018 in compliance to the legal provisions under the Act.
5 The Chief Commissioners of Customs, in coordination with the Directorate
General of Systems, are requested to conduct weekly outreach programs in their
respective zones, to sensitise all the stakeholders appropriately. This exercise, intends to
ensure as mooth implementation of SCMTR 2018.
6. This Circular may be given wide publicity by issuing suitable Trade Notice/Public
Notice. Difficulties, if any, in the implementation of the above Circular may be brought to
the notice of the Board.
Hindi version follows.
Digitally signed by
ShaiÑigsifaahfully,
Date: 08-10-2025
17:02:30
(Shaikh Salman)
OSD Customs Policy Wing
Email: uscus4.dor@gov.in