The CBIC issued Circular No. 25/2025-Customs dated October 08, 2025, regarding the implementation of the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR).
Kind attention is invited towards the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018 issued vide Notification No. 38/2018 dated 11th May, 2018 (as amended) and Customs Notification No. 61/2025-Customs (N.T.) dated 30th September, 2025.
The Board has examined the implementation of the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment 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 ICD 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.
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 a furtherance of facilitation, the transitional provisions for the SCMTR have been extended till 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 correct declarations in the prescribed format electronically. It is expected that SAM and SDM messages will be filed correctly in terms of Section 30, 41, 53 and 54 of the Customs Act 1962 and SCMTR 2018 in compliance to the legal provisions under the Act.
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 a smooth implementation of SCMTR 2018.
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.
The Circular can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Circular-No-25-2025.pdf
