Customs Clearance & Freight Forwarding at Nhava Sheva
JNPA · Navi Mumbai · INNSA1
When should cargo go through Nhava Sheva instead of a Gujarat port?
Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Port, JNPA) in Navi Mumbai is one of India's busiest container ports. It suits Maharashtra importers and exporters, and Gujarat cargo that needs a sailing or a line not calling at Mundra. We compare it with the Gujarat ports and clear cargo there, with a 24-hour desk.
Choosing the port is part of the quote. For some lanes and lines Nhava Sheva has the better sailing; for most Gujarat cargo Mundra or Hazira is closer. We compare the freight, the sailing and the trucking before you book.
- Location
- Nhava Sheva, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Operator
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), a major port
- Cargo
- Mainly containers, across several terminals
- Rail
- Rail-connected to the national network and inland depots
At the port
How do we work at Nhava Sheva?
Filing, assessment and follow-up are handled by our clearance desk, and cargo is attended at the terminal when an examination or a problem needs it.
- Port choice on every enquiryNhava Sheva, Mundra or Hazira: we compare the sailing, rate and trucking for your cargo.
- Filed before arrivalThe Bill of Entry is filed before the vessel berths, which saves the most time.
- A desk that does not closeThe clearance desk is open 24 hours for queries and held cargo.
Services
What can we handle for you at Nhava Sheva?
Clearance, freight and consolidation for container cargo.
Industries
Which cargo do we clear at Nhava Sheva?
Container cargo from Maharashtra and Gujarat shippers.
Process
How does customs clearance work at Nhava Sheva?
The same six steps for imports and exports. Starting before the vessel arrives saves the most time.
- Filed and followed by one team
- Examination attended at Nhava Sheva
- Clearance desk open 24 hours
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01
Nhava Sheva
Documents checked
Invoice, packing list, B/L or booking, IEC and any licence, matched before filing.
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02
Nhava Sheva
Filed on ICEGATE
Bill of Entry for imports, shipping bill for exports, under the port's customs code.
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03
Nhava Sheva
Assessment
Customs checks classification and value; queries answered the day they are raised.
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04
Nhava Sheva
Duty and examination
Duty paid online; any examination arranged and attended at the terminal or CFS.
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05
Nhava Sheva
Out-of-charge or LEO
Customs releases imports or gives the Let Export Order for loading.
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06
Nhava Sheva
Delivery or loading
Import delivered to your door, or the export container gated in for its vessel.
Quote
Get a quote at Nhava Sheva
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
Timing
How long does clearance take at Nhava Sheva?
Typical times once documents are complete. The terminal and customs decide the rest.
| Stage | Typical | Depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Export clearance | About 24 hours | Documents complete and no examination |
| Import clearance | About 48 working hours | Documents complete, assessment without queries |
| Examination ordered | Adds the examination and report | Booked and attended at once |
| Assessment query | Pauses until answered | Answered the day it is raised |
| Licence or NOC needed | Waits for the other agency | Flagged at the quote stage |
Typical figures, not guarantees: the consignment, the terminal and customs decide.
Documents
What documents are needed at Nhava Sheva?
The core set for most shipments. We confirm the exact list for your cargo with every quote.
| Document | Import | Export |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Required | Required |
| Packing list | Required | Required |
| Bill of lading | Required | After loading |
| IEC and GSTIN | Required | Required |
| Authority letter and KYC | Required | Required |
| AD code registration at this port | — | Required |
| Certificate of origin | If claiming FTA rate | If the buyer needs it |
| Licence or permit | By product | By product |
What is the port code for Nhava Sheva?
Nhava Sheva uses the UN/LOCODE INNSA1. It appears on the Bill of Entry, the shipping bill and the bill of lading, so check it matches on every document before filing.
Is Nhava Sheva the same as JNPT or JNPA?
Yes. Nhava Sheva is the location; the port is Jawaharlal Nehru Port, formerly called JNPT and now run by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). All three names refer to the same port in Navi Mumbai.
Why use Nhava Sheva if I am in Gujarat?
Usually because a shipping line, a sailing or a destination is better served from Nhava Sheva. For most Gujarat cargo, Mundra or Hazira is closer, so we compare the options on every enquiry.
What cargo does Nhava Sheva handle?
Nhava Sheva is mainly a container port, with several container terminals. It handles a large share of India's container trade, especially for Maharashtra and western India.
How long does clearance take at Nhava Sheva?
Once documents are complete, export clearance typically takes about 24 hours and import clearance about 48 working hours. Terminal congestion, examinations and assessment queries can extend it, so we confirm timing for each consignment.
Can you clear air cargo in Mumbai too?
Yes. We handle air freight and air cargo customs clearance, including shipments through Mumbai, alongside sea freight at Nhava Sheva.
What documents do I need at Nhava Sheva?
The core set: invoice, packing list, bill of lading, IEC and GSTIN, an authority letter for us to file, and any licence or certificate of origin your cargo needs.
What happens if my container is held at Nhava Sheva?
Call or WhatsApp +91 97141 41559 with the container or B/L number. We check the reason on ICEGATE and at the terminal, whether a query, a missing document or an examination, and act on it.
Can Gujarat cargo move to Nhava Sheva by rail?
Yes. Containers can be cleared at an inland container depot and moved to Nhava Sheva by rail under customs seal, or trucked directly. We compare the cost and time of rail and road with the Gujarat port options.