Customs Clearance & Freight Forwarding at Pipavav
Pipavav port · Saurashtra · INPAV1
Why ship through Pipavav port?
Pipavav, on the Saurashtra coast in Amreli district, is a private port with rail links to inland container depots and less congestion than the largest Gujarat ports. It handles containers, bulk, liquids and vehicles. RP International files and clears cargo at Pipavav, with a clearance desk open 24 hours.
Pipavav suits exporters in Saurashtra and cargo moving by rail from inland depots. We handle the customs filing, the freight booking and the road or rail movement as one job.

- Location
- Pipavav, Amreli district, Saurashtra, Gujarat
- Operator
- Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd (APM Terminals), a private port
- Cargo
- Containers, dry bulk, liquid bulk and vehicles
- Rail
- Rail-connected to the national network and inland depots
At the port
How do we work at Pipavav?
Filing, assessment and follow-up are handled by our clearance desk, and cargo is attended at the port when an examination or a problem needs it.
- One team from booking to releaseThe freight booking and the customs filing are done by the same people, so they always match.
- 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 Pipavav?
Clearance, freight and transport for cargo moving through Pipavav.
Inland container depots
Which ICDs connect to Pipavav?
Containers can be cleared inland and moved to Pipavav by rail under customs seal.
Industries
Which cargo moves through Pipavav?
Saurashtra exports and rail-borne containers from inland Gujarat.
Process
How does customs clearance work at Pipavav?
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 Pipavav
- Clearance desk open 24 hours
-
01
Pipavav
Documents checked
Invoice, packing list, B/L or booking, IEC and any licence, matched before filing.
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02
Pipavav
Filed on ICEGATE
Bill of Entry for imports, shipping bill for exports, under the port's customs code.
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03
Pipavav
Assessment
Customs checks classification and value; queries answered the day they are raised.
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04
Pipavav
Duty and examination
Duty paid online; any examination arranged and attended at the terminal or CFS.
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05
Pipavav
Out-of-charge or LEO
Customs releases imports or gives the Let Export Order for loading.
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06
Pipavav
Delivery or loading
Import delivered to your door, or the export container gated in for its vessel.
Quote
Get a quote at Pipavav
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 Pipavav?
Typical times once documents are complete. The vessel 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 Pipavav?
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 Pipavav?
Pipavav uses the UN/LOCODE INPAV1. It appears on the Bill of Entry, the shipping bill and the bill of lading, so check it matches on every document before filing.
Where is Pipavav port?
Pipavav is on the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat, in Amreli district, between Bhavnagar and Diu. It is operated by Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd, part of APM Terminals.
What cargo does Pipavav handle?
Pipavav handles containers, dry bulk, liquid bulk and vehicles. Its rail connection makes it a common choice for containers moving to and from inland depots.
Why choose Pipavav instead of Mundra?
Pipavav can suit cargo from Saurashtra, rail-borne containers and shipments where a particular shipping line or sailing calls there. The best port depends on the origin, the line and the schedule, so we compare options for each shipment.
How long does clearance take at Pipavav?
Once documents are complete, export clearance typically takes about 24 hours and import clearance about 48 working hours. Examinations and assessment queries can extend it, so we confirm the expected timing for each consignment.
Can containers reach Pipavav by rail?
Yes. Pipavav is connected to the national rail network, so containers can move between the port and inland container depots such as Ahmedabad and Sanand under customs seal.
What documents do I need at Pipavav?
The same core set as any Gujarat port: 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 cargo is held at Pipavav?
Call or WhatsApp +91 97141 41559 with the container or B/L number. We check the reason on ICEGATE, whether a query, a missing document or an examination, and act on it.
Do you arrange trucking to Pipavav?
Yes. We book the trailer from your factory or ICD to Pipavav, generate the e-way bill and time the movement to the vessel cut-off, so the transport and the customs filing are handled together by one team.



