Visit our Covid-19 microsite for the latest coronavirus news, analysis and updates


Follow the latest updates of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak on our timeline.


Containers originating from China are stranded in Indian ports as their related cargo documents are in the closed offices in China.

The offices are closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak that has so far killed 2,012 people and infected more than 75,000 people worldwide.

Without the necessary documents, the Indian Customs Department cannot file the Bills of Entry (BoE) for granting clearance to the containers.

According to the rules, a BoE needs to be submitted to customs within 24 hours after containers arrive in the port.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

If the document is not submitted, the consignees need to pay Rs5,000 ($70) a day for the first three days and Rs10,000 ($140) per day after that.

Chennai Customs Brokers’ Association (CCBA) president S Nataraja said: “Most of the documents of the containers that landed at the Chennai port are locked inside the closed offices of shippers in China. We are unable to file BoEs with the customs to clear the goods.”

Nataraja has asked finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to waive the penalty charges for the containers.

Documents for the waiver will be submitted to the Customs Department for more than 35 containers.