SCMTR 2018 to Become Operational Across Ports from 1 September 2026 in Phased Manner

·         SCMTR implementation: The Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018 will become operational from 1 September 2026 across ports in a phased manner.

·         Electronic filing: Development and testing of SCMTR electronic messages has been completed, and the messages are now operational for trade.

·         Low compliance: Customs has noted low filing of electronic messages by stakeholders despite the system being operational.

·         Mandatory stakeholder filing: Stakeholders are expected to file their respective electronic messages in the Customs Automated System to facilitate smooth cargo clearance.

·         SEZ units: SEZ units have been advised to use the transition period to onboard themselves onto the SCMTR framework.

·         Outreach by field formations: Customs field formations will issue suitable Public Notices and conduct outreach programmes in coordination with stakeholders to familiarise trade with SCMTR provisions.

·         Issue resolution:

o    System-related issues → to be resolved in coordination with DG Systems.

o    Policy-related issues → to be brought to the notice of the CBIC Board.

·         No penal action during transition: No penal action will be taken during the implementation phase, providing stakeholders time to adapt to the new electronic filing framework.

·         Implementation difficulties: Stakeholders may bring any difficulties faced during implementation to the notice of the Board.

 

[CBIC Circular No. 38/2026-Customs dated 1 September, 2026]

Subject: Implementation of the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR). 2018.

Kind attention is invited to the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018 issued vide Notification No. 38/2018- Customs {N.T.) dated 11th May, 2018 Customs Notification No. 73/2026-Customs (N.T.) dated 1st September, 2026.

2. With the completion of development and testing of electronic messages under SCMTR framework, the same have been made operational for the trade. However, there is still low filing of messages by the stakeholders.

3. In view of the above, the SCMTR, 2018 shall be made operational with effect from 1st Sept, 2026 across ports in a phased manner, as per schedule mentioned at Annexure A. It is expected that all stakeholders will file respective electronic messages in Customs Automated System for smooth functioning and clearance of cargo.

4. The SEZ units may utilise this transition period for on-boarding into SCMTR framework. The field formations may issue suitable Public Notices and undertake outreach measures, in coordination with stakeholders to familiarize trade with provisions of the SCMTR, 2018 for smooth roll-out of SCMTR, 2018. The field formations shall resolve the system related issues in coordination with the DG System, and policy related issues shall be brought to the notice of the Board. No penal action should be taken during this implementation phase.

5.   Any difficulties in implementation may be brought to the notice of the Board.

No.450/58/2015-Cus.IV(Pt.l)

ANNEXURE-A

Schedule for phase-wise implementation of all SCMTR messages

S.No

Port Name

Port Code

Date of Implementation of SCMTR messages

1

Goa

INMRM1

01-Sep-26

2

Bombay

INBOM1

01-Sep-26

3

Mangalore

INNML1

07-Sep-26

4

Vizag

INVTZ1

07-Sep-26

6

Kakinada

INCOK1

07-Sep-26

5

Tuticorin

INTUT1

11-Sep-26

7

Gangavaram

INGGV1

11-Sep-26

24

Cuddalore

INCDL1

11-Sep-26

8

Cochin

INKAK1

21-Sep-26

9

Paradeep

INPRT1

21-Sep-26

10

Ennore

INENR1

21-Sep-26

11

Kattupalli

INKAT1

21-Sep-26

12

Kandia

INIXY1

28-Sep-26

13

Kolkata

INCCU1

28-Sep-26

14

Hazira

INHZA1

28-Sep-26

15

Dahej

INDAH1

28-Sep-26

16

Pipavah

INPAV1

28-Sep-26

17

Karanja

INKRN1

28-Sep-26

18

Haldia

INHAL1

28-Sep-26

19

Sikka Port

INSIK1

28-Sep-26

20

Dhamra Port

INDMA1

28-Sep-26

21

Vadinar Port

INVAD1

28-Sep-26

22

Magdalla

INMDA1

28-Sep-26

23

Jaigad

INJGD1

28-Sep-26

25

Bhavnagar

INBHU1

05-0ct-26

26

Okha Port

INOKH1

05-0ct-26

27

Karwar Port

INKRW1

05-0ct-26

28

Dabhol Port

INDHP1

05-0ct-26

29

Redi Port

INRED1

05-0ct-26

30

Mundra

INMUN1

05-0ct-26

31

Chennai

INMAA1

09-Oct-26

32

Nhava Sheva

JNCH

15-Oct-26

33

Remaining Ports

 

15-Oct-26