Customs Clearance at ICD Varnama
Inland container depot · Varnama
What is ICD Varnama, and who uses it?
ICD Varnama is an inland container depot in central Gujarat, in the Vadodara area, where containers are stuffed, examined and cleared by customs. Cleared containers move by rail or road under customs seal to Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira or Nhava Sheva. It suits factories in central Gujarat shipping full containers.
For central Gujarat exporters, Varnama is an alternative to clearing at a distant port. We compare it with the other depots and the ports on each enquiry, then handle the filing and the movement.
How cargo moves
- Your factoryCentral Gujarat, around Vadodara
- ICD VarnamaCleared, examined and sealed here
- Rail or road, under customs seal
- Gateway portMundra · Pipavav · Hazira · Nhava Sheva
- Location
- Varnama, central Gujarat (Vadodara area)
- Serves
- Manufacturers across central Gujarat
- Connected ports
- Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira, Nhava Sheva
- Movement
- Rail and road, under customs seal
ICD or port
Should you clear at ICD Varnama or at the port?
Clearing inland suits most factory-stuffed containers from Varnama. The port can suit loose cargo or tight sailings.
| Clear at ICD Varnama | Clear at the port | |
|---|---|---|
| Where customs happens | Close to your factory, inland | At the port, a long drive from Varnama |
| Examination | At the ICD, easier to attend | At the port or CFS |
| Movement to the port | Sealed container by rail or road; no customs stop at the port | Truck carries uncleared cargo to the port |
| Suits | Factory-stuffed FCL exports and imports for the Varnama area | Tight vessel cut-offs, loose cargo, some special cargo |
| Watch for | Rail schedules and the ICD's own cut-offs | Port congestion and longer truck journeys |
Services
What can we handle for you at ICD Varnama?
Clearance at the depot, the freight booking and the road or rail movement, as one job.
Ports
Which ports does ICD Varnama connect to?
Containers cleared at ICD Varnama can move under customs seal to these ports; the right one depends on the line and the sailing.
Process
How does export clearance work at ICD Varnama?
Customs is done at the depot, so the container reaches the port already cleared.
- Filed and followed by one team
- Examination at the depot, not the port
- Clearance desk open 24 hours
-
01
ICD Varnama
Documents checked
Invoice, packing list, IEC, AD code and any licence, before the container is stuffed.
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02
ICD Varnama
Container stuffed
At your factory with a customs seal, or at the depot.
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03
ICD Varnama
Shipping bill filed
On ICEGATE under ICD Varnama's customs code.
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04
ICD Varnama
Examination, if selected
Done at the depot, with our team attending.
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05
ICD Varnama
Let Export Order
Customs clears the container at the depot.
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06
ICD Varnama
Moved to the port
By rail or road under seal, and loaded on the vessel.
Quote
Get a quote at ICD Varnama
Rates and the document list for your consignment, back within 24 hours.
- A team at the port, in Gandhidham
- Clearance desk open 24 hours
- Document list with every quote
Documents
What documents are needed at ICD Varnama?
The same core set as a port, plus the details for the rail or road movement.
Not sure what you have? Send photos of your documents on WhatsApp for a first check.
Send on WhatsApp| Document | Export | Import | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Required | Required | Value, currency and incoterm |
| Packing list | Required | Required | Packages, weights and marks |
| Shipping bill or Bill of Entry | Required | Required | Filed by us under the ICD's customs code |
| IEC and GSTIN | Required | Required | Exporter or importer registration |
| AD code registration at the ICD | Required | — | Bank AD code registered for this ICD |
| Bill of lading | After loading | Required | Through B/L to or from the ICD |
| E-way bill | Required | Required | For road movement between factory and depot |
| Licence or permit | By product | By product | Where the goods need one |
Requirements change with the commodity and the rules in force, so we confirm the list for your consignment with every quote.
Industries
Which cargo do we clear at Varnama?
Engineering goods, chemicals, agri products and textiles from central Gujarat.
What is an ICD?
An inland container depot (ICD) is a customs-notified facility away from the coast where containers are stuffed, examined and cleared. Cleared containers then move to or from the port by rail or road under customs seal, as if the port were next to the factory.
When should I use an ICD instead of the port?
Use an ICD when your factory is inland and ships full containers: customs and any examination happen close to you, and the container travels to the port already cleared. The port can be better for loose cargo or very tight vessel cut-offs.
How long does clearance take at ICD Varnama?
Once documents are complete, export clearance typically takes about 24 hours and import clearance about 48 working hours. Rail schedules and the move to the port add time, so we plan the stuffing date back from the vessel cut-off.
Do I need an AD code registered at ICD Varnama?
Yes, for exports. Your bank's AD code must be registered at the customs location where the shipping bill is filed, so it has to be registered at ICD Varnama before your first export from there. We check this before filing.
Where is ICD Varnama?
ICD Varnama is in central Gujarat, in the Vadodara area. It serves manufacturers across central Gujarat who want to clear containers close to their factories rather than at a distant port.
Which ports can I ship to from ICD Varnama?
Containers cleared at Varnama commonly move to Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira or Nhava Sheva. The shipping line, the sailing and the rail service decide which is best.
Varnama or Vadodara: which ICD should I use?
Both serve central Gujarat. The choice depends on your shipping line, the rail service to your port and the depot's schedule. We compare them for your shipment and book the one that meets your vessel cut-off.
Can you arrange transport to ICD Varnama?
Yes. We arrange the empty container or truck to your factory, the e-way bill and the movement to the depot, then clear the container and move it to the port under seal.