**Executive Summary**
Circular No. 25/2025-Customs, dated October 8th, 2025, addresses the implementation of the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018. It provides updates on the nationwide implementation of Sea Arrival Manifest (SAM), Sea Entry Inward (SEI) and Sea Departure Manifest (SDM) as well as extension of SCMTR transitional provisions until December 31st, 2025. The circular emphasizes correct electronic filing and requests outreach programs for stakeholders.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Implementation Updates:**
* Sea Arrival Manifest (SAM) and Sea Entry Inward (SEI) have been implemented PAN India since January 16th, 2025.
* Sea Departure Manifest (SDM) has been implemented PAN India since August 26th, 2025 and its amendment message is currently operational.
* The Stuffing Message (SF) has been implemented on a pilot basis at ICD Tughlakabad and CFS-Sattva under Chennai Customs, effective from September 29th, 2025.
* **Operationalization Deadline:**
* DG Systems is required to test and operationalize the remaining messages under SCMTR by December 31st, 2025.
* **Transitional Provisions:**
* The transitional provisions for the SCMTR have been extended until December 31st, 2025, vide Notification No. 61/2025-Customs (N.T.) dated September 30th, 2025.
* **Filing Requirements:**
* During the extended timeline, stakeholders must file correct declarations in the prescribed format electronically.
* SAM and SDM messages are expected to be filed correctly as per Sections 30, 41, 53, and 54 of the Customs Act 1962 and SCMTR 2018.
* **Stakeholder Sensitization:**
* Chief Commissioners of Customs, in coordination with the Directorate General of Systems, are requested to conduct weekly outreach programs to sensitize stakeholders.
* **Task Force:**
* A Task Force has been constituted to closely monitor the implementation of the SCMTR, 2018.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholders: DG Systems**
* **Impact:** Responsible for testing and operationalizing the remaining messages under SCMTR
* **Action Required:** Complete testing and operationalization of remaining SCMTR messages by December 31st, 2025.
**Stakeholders: Chief Commissioners of Customs**
* **Impact:** Responsible for sensitizing all stakeholders.
* **Action Required:** Conduct weekly outreach programs in their respective zones.
**Stakeholders: All Stakeholders**
* **Impact:** Required to comply with SCMTR.
* **Action Required:** File correct declarations in the prescribed format electronically, as per the Act.
Key Entities Referenced
Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR): The primary regulation being implemented and discussed.
Customs Act 1962: The legal framework to which the SCMTR must adhere.
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC): The department responsible for implementing and overseeing the regulations.
Notification No. 38/2018: Original notification for Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR)
Chennai: Location where Stuffing Message (SF) has been implemented on pilot basis
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