STAGES OF SHIPMENT : For effecting shipment from ports in India, the exporter, generally through his clearing and forwarding agent, has to comply with procedural formalities of the customs and port authorities separately. In addition, he has also to obtain permission from the shipping companies (or their agents) for bringing the cargo into the shipment shed according to the "loading plan" of the ship. Specifically, the stages of the shipment process are:

I) Filing of documents with the Customs Authorities for checking genuineness of the transaction and for obtaining examination order;

2) Payment of port charges;

3) Obtaining permission of the shipping company to bring cargo into the shipment shed;

4) Obtaining permission from the Shed Superintendent for bringing the cargo into the shipment shed;

5) Arranging for transport of cargo to move into the shipment shed through Port Gate:

6) Permission of the Gate Inspector to move cargo into the port area;

7) Unloading of cargo in the shipment shed;

8) Examination of cargo by the Customs Authorities and obtaining "Let Export" Order;

9) Obtaining "Let Ship" Order from the Customs Preventive Officer prior to loading;

10) Issuance of Mate's Receipt by the clearing and forwarding agent;

11) Obtaining "fact of shipment" certificate from the Customs Preventive Officer.