Export General Manifest: Filing, Format & Errors Fixed

What Is an Export General Manifest?

An Export General Manifest is a document legally filed with the Indian Customs by the shipping line, airlines or their authorised agent after departure of the vessel/aircraft from India.

Think of it as Customs' confirmation that the export process has been successfully carried out. An Export General Manifest will not be acknowledged until the export process is fully closed in the customs system.

In contrast to a shipping bill that is submitted before the export process, the export general manifest (EGM) is always submitted after the shipment process. It is submitted after the loading of the cargo and the departure of the vessel/aircraft.

Once Customs accepts the EGM, it matches the information with the shipping bill. This allows the shipping bill to be closed and enables exporters to claim benefits such as GST refunds, duty drawback, and RoDTEP incentives.

Today, most exporters use the electronic filing system through ICEGATE. However, manual filing may still be used at certain land customs stations where electronic filing isn't available.

Key Characteristics of an Export General Manifest

A few important points to remember:

Why Is an Export General Manifest Important?

An Export General Manifest (EGM) is important because it confirms that goods have physically left India, enables shipping bill closure, allows exporters to claim GST refunds and export incentives, and helps Customs verify export records.

Without an accepted EGM, the export transaction remains incomplete, delaying post-export benefits and compliance processes.

For Exporters

The biggest benefit of filing the Export General Manifest is that it allows your shipping bill to be closed. Until that happens, several post-export processes remain on hold.

A successfully accepted EGM helps you:

Banks also depend upon the EGM status while clearing export-related documentation, such as the Bank Realisation Certificate (BRC). In case the shipping bill is still open, these procedures may also be delayed.

For Customs

Customs uses the Export General Manifest to verify that the consignment of goods recorded in the shipping bill has actually been exported.

This helps Customs:

The EGM also records cases where goods listed on the shipping bill were not loaded onto the vessel or aircraft, ensuring customs records remain accurate.

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Who Files an Export General Manifest?

The carrier files the EGM, not the exporter. Depending on the mode of transport, this may be the shipping line, airline, or their authorised agent. The EGM is submitted to Customs after the goods have been exported to confirm that they have physically left India. The Export General Manifest is filed by:

Though exporters do not file the EGM, they have to provide correct shipment details before export from India. This includes shipping bill number, exporter and consignee details, port codes, number of packages, gross weight, and voyage or flight details.

If any of these details don't match the carrier's records, the EGM may be rejected, delaying shipping bill closure and export benefits.

Filing Deadlines

The filing timeline depends on the mode of transport:

While it is the duty of the carrier to submit, it would be better for exporters to follow up to ensure that the EGM has been filed in time.

The late filing of an EGM may affect the refund of GST and duty drawback, along with other export benefits. It's always worth checking the filing status with your shipping line or freight forwarder.

What Is the Export General Manifest Format?

Export General Manifest Sample Format

The Export General Manifest (EGM) format consists of four prescribed sections or forms: General Declaration (Form I), Passenger Manifest (Form II), Cargo Manifest (Form III), and List of Private Property (Form IV). Together, these forms capture shipment, voyage, passenger, cargo, and other details required by Customs to verify exported goods.

Form I - General Declaration

This form contains all the basic information regarding the shipment, such as voyage/flight information, port of clearance, and a brief description of cargo.

Form II - Passenger Manifest

This form contains all the information about the vessel or flight, such as movement information and any statutory information.

Form III - Cargo Manifest

This is the most important section in the document for the exporter, as this part has all the shipment information verified by Customs against the shipping bill.

It generally includes the shipping bill number, exporter details, consignee details, cargo description, package count, gross weight, port of destination, and vessel or aircraft details.

Since this information is matched with the shipping bill, even a small error can delay approval.

Form IV - List of Private Property

This form is mainly used for aircraft operations and records the private property carried by the crew.

Before your carrier files the EGM, it's a good idea to review the shipment details carefully. A quick check can help prevent unnecessary corrections later.

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How to File an Export General Manifest on ICEGATE?

The EGM is filed by the carrier (shipping line or airline) with Customs after export using the prescribed forms. The Cargo Manifest (Form III) contains shipment details that are matched with the shipping bill, so reviewing the information beforehand helps avoid delays and corrections.

Here's how the Export General Manifest is typically filed on ICEGATE:

Step 1: The carrier collects shipment details

Once the loading process is complete, the shipping company or airline collects shipment data that includes the shipping bill number, exporter and consignee details, packaging and container details, port codes, gross weight, and voyage or flight details.

This data must correspond with the shipping bill. Any discrepancy in it may cause rejection of the shipment.

Step 2: Log in to ICEGATE

The carrier or authorised agent logs into ICEGATE using a registered User ID and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).

Step 3: Upload the EGM

The Export General Manifest is prepared in the prescribed XML or EDI format and uploaded through the EGM filing module. ICEGATE validates the file before accepting it.

Step 4: Track the filing status

After a successful upload, ICEGATE generates an acknowledgement number.

If you want to know how to get EGM details for export, then you can ask your shipping company, freight forwarder, or CHA for the acknowledgement number. You can also verify the status of your shipping bill via ICEGATE through your IEC and shipping bill number.

Step 5: Resolve errors, if any

If ICEGATE detects discrepancies, the carrier must correct the details and resubmit the EGM.

After acceptance of the Export General Manifest, the shipment bill is then closed. This enables the exporter to apply for various exemptions, including GST refund, duty drawback, RoDTEP benefits, and complete post-export documentation.

For the detailed steps, check out our dedicated blog on the same.

Difference Between Shipping Bill and Export General Manifest

The shipping bill is lodged before the goods are exported, while the Export General Manifest is filed after the goods have left India. Although there’s a difference between shipping bill and export general manifest, the two are closely connected.

The table below highlights the key differences between a shipping bill and an EGM:

Understanding the difference between the shipping bill and Export General Manifest is important because both documents are required at different stages of the export process.

The shipping bill allows your goods to leave India. The Export General Manifest confirms that they have actually left.

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Export General Manifest vs Import General Manifest

The EGM and Import General Manifest (IGM) differ in the direction of cargo movement and when they are filed. The table below compares the EGM and IGM.

For exporters, the Export General Manifest is the key document because it confirms that the shipment has physically left India and completes the export process.

What Happens If EGM Is Not Filed?

If the EGM is not filed, the export process remains incomplete, and exporters may face delays in GST refunds, export incentives, and shipping bill closure in ICEGATE.

This can result in a delay in:

In some cases, incorrect or delayed filing may also attract penalties under the Customs Act.

On the positive side, however, once the problem is detected, the carrier can rectify the EGM and submit an amendment request.

What Are Common Export General Manifest Errors and How to Fix Them?

Most EGM rejections happen because the information filed by the carrier doesn't match the shipping bill. Here are the most common errors:

Can an EGM be amended?

Yes. If mistakes are found after filing, the carrier can request an amendment by submitting the required documents and obtaining Customs approval.

How Can Skydo Help After Your EGM Is Filed?

Just as exporters track Export General Manifest status to avoid shipment uncertainty, payment tracking also matters. With Skydo, you can track your export payments clearly at every stage, so you always know where your money is.

With us,

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