Sea IGM ICEGATE: Filing, Status Check & Tracking
TL;DR - Summary
- What is a Sea IGM? - A mandatory electronic declaration filed by the shipping line with Indian Customs before a vessel arrives, listing all cargo on board. You cannot file a Bill of Entry until it is successfully processed.
- Who files it and what is your role? - The shipping line or their authorized agent files it. Your job is to track the status on ICEGATE and ensure their data matches your Bill of Lading exactly. Errors are their responsibility to fix, but delays cost you.
- How do you check Sea IGM status? - Visit icegate.gov.in, go to Services, click Public Enquiries 2.0, select Document Status, then SAM/IGM. Enter your port code and Bill of Lading number to pull your status.
- What do the status codes mean? - Accepted or Approved means you can proceed to file your Bill of Entry. Not Found or Mismatched means the carrier needs to file an amendment before customs will unlock the next step.
- What does a Sea IGM error actually cost? - Every day the manifest is stuck, port storage and demurrage charges accumulate. A 10-day documentation delay can attract over Rs. 1 lakh in customs penalties alone, plus shipping line detention charges on top.
What Is Sea IGM?
Sea IGM is the first official notification that your goods are entering the country. It is a mandatory declaration made by the shipping carrier or their authorized agent to provide Indian Customs with a detailed list of all cargo before the vessel reaches the port.
The IGM is also the master cargo document, meaning that the customs authorities treat it as a primary source to verify shipments and plan inspections well before they unload cargo at the port.
What Details Are Included in a Sea IGM?
As an importer, you don’t have to electronically file the Sea IGM, but knowing this will help you understand what details Indian Customs asks for before the shipment arrives.
- Vessel name: It is the official name of the ship. The Customs use it to confirm the arrival and avoid confusion with other sailings.
- IMO number: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) number is a permanent 7-digit number that remains with a ship throughout its entire lifespan.
- Voyage number: A specific code assigned to a ship’s individual journey to ensure you are tracking the correct trip.
- Port of loading: This is the international location where your goods were loaded onto the vessel.
- Port of discharge: This is the final destination port where your cargo will be physically unloaded in India.
- Line number: It is a serial entry ranging from 1 to 9999 assigned to each separate shipment within the manifest. As the carrier loads cargo for various importers, the line number helps to distinguish which cargo belongs to you.
- Cargo description: A summary of the cargo, including the nature, weight, and package count of the goods.
- Consignee: A consignee is the legal owner or authorized party designated to receive the goods.
- Bill of Lading (B/L) number: This is a unique reference 11 to 13- character alphanumeric code issued by the carrier. You can use this single code in different systems to know the shipment status, track cargo location, and the arrival date.
- HS code: It is an international standard number used to classify products for the calculation of customs duties.
IGM Has Two Parts
Manifest level: This includes general information about the vessel and its voyage, such as the ship's name, IMO number, and voyage number. It identifies which specific vessel is docking at which berth and on what date.
Line level: Line level includes granular details for individual shipment, such as the specific serial number assigned to your cargo. It also contains the unique Bill of Lading (BL) number, the nature of your goods, and the exact container and seal codes used to secure your specific shipment.
Please note that the accuracy of the BL number and the consignment name is critical for downstream matching. Downstream matching is the digital process where the customs portal verifies that the details filed by the shipping line align with the information you submit in your Bill of Entry.
⚠️ COMMON MISCONCEPTION
IGM is not the same as the Bill of Lading. The IGM is the carrier's consolidated manifest filed with customs, covering all cargo on a single voyage. The Bill of Lading is a per-shipment document issued to the shipper.
Why Does Sea IGM Matter for Importers?
From filing the bill of entry to managing working capital, the Sea IGM plays a critical role. Here’s how:
- Sea IGM is a prerequisite for filing a Bill of Entry
You can file a Bill of Entry only after the Sea IGM has been successfully processed. If there’s a mismatch or any form of error, the customs portal will block the next steps. This means your goods physically remain at the port, but you cannot claim them.
- Importers incur heavy charges if the Sea IGM is not processed
As your cargo stays at the port, the daily storage costs, demurrage, and detention charges keep mounting. These charges start the moment your free period expires, which can happen as quickly as three days after the ship docks.
- The importers’ money remains stuck
Stuck cargo means your investment is tied up in stationery products that you cannot sell. This can cause a working capital crunch and, in the worst case, halt production for days.
Who Files Sea IGM on ICEGATE Portal?
The shipping line or its authorized steamer agent files the Sea IGM on the ICEGATE portal. While it is your cargo, you cannot submit this manifest yourself. The carrier is legally accountable for these customs declarations.
They must file this declaration electronically through the ICEGATE portal. This step registers your cargo details in the system before the vessel reaches the port. If they do not file this, the containers will continue to stay on board while daily storage fees and detention charges add up.
What is your role as an importer then?
Your role is to act as a verifier by coordinating with your customs broker or agent. Proactively track the status on ICEGATE using the B/L number. This way, you can ensure that the carrier’s data matches your records exactly. By staying vigilant, you can identify errors early and avoid clearance delays at the destination port.
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem
My Sea IGM isn't showing on ICEGATE. What now?
Check these 5 possibilities
Cause 1
IGM not yet filed by the agent
Fix
Contact your shipping line to confirm filing status. Filing is usually required 24 hours before vessel arrival.
Cause 2
Wrong IGM or B/L number entered
Fix
Recheck entry against your B/L. Look for typos and confirm you are using the master B/L number, not a house B/L.
Cause 3
B/L mismatch with the carrier's manifest
Fix
Request a formal IGM amendment from your shipping line to align records with your physical B/L.
Cause 4
Late filing by the shipping line
Fix
Escalate via your CHA and document the delay. Late filing can attract penalties on the carrier.
Cause 5
ICEGATE portal downtime or maintenance
Fix
Retry during off-peak hours. Check ICEGATE notices for scheduled maintenance windows before re-attempting.
How to Track Sea IGM Status on ICEGATE: A Step by Step Explanation
You can track your Sea IGM status on ICEGATE as a guest or by logging in with your credentials. The guest access option allows you to view basic details. If you need more information — container-level data or specific customs remarks — you must log in with your registered credentials or a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
Follow these steps to track your Sea IGM Status on ICEGATE:
- Visit the official ICEGATE portal at icegate.gov.in.
ICEGATE Login- Go to the Services menu and click on Enquiry.
SEA IGM ICEGATE- Tap on Public Enquiries 2.0
SEA IGM ICEGATE- Select Document Status
SEA IGM ICEGATE- Click on SAM/IGM
SEA IGM ICEGATE- Select your location and the master Bill of Lading number.
SEA IGM ICEGATE- Then complete the CAPTCHA security verification and click on submit to generate your real-time tracking report
The Port Code is a mandatory field, as is the IGM Number or the B/L Number to identify your specific shipment. IGM date is not mandatory, but by entering the vessel's expected arrival date can speed up the system's lookup process.
After you click on Search, the screen will display the Sea IGM containing the following information:
- B/L line details, which are clickable to reveal further shipment nuances
- Cargo description summarizing your imported goods
- IGM status codes that tell you the current clearance stage
- Vessel name and its official date of arrival at the destination port
- Container and seal numbers used to verify the physical units on board
- Package counts and the total gross weight of the consignment
- Customs remarks highlighting specific detention or examination orders.
What do Sea IGM Status Codes Mean on ICEGATE?
The IGM status code tells you exactly where your cargo sits and if there is a document error. Here are some common status codes you must know, with their meaning and required action:
| Status Code | Meaning | Required Action |
|---|---|---|
| In-Progress | ||
| P / FiledPending | IGM received but not yet integrated with your Bill of Entry. | Wait and monitor. Check back after 2 to 3 hours as validation is automated. |
| Validated | Structural checks have passed. File has been sent to the customs server. | Wait. Internal system processing is underway. |
| Successfully Processed | ||
| A / ApprovedAccepted | Your details match the manifest. Moved to the next stage of clearance. | Go. Proceed to duty payment and the Out of Charge process. |
| ADC | Approved Discharge Completed. Final green light for unloading is granted. | Proceed. Settle terminal charges and get your delivery orders. |
| DIS | Discharged. Cargo has been physically moved off the vessel. | Track. Coordinate with your logistics provider for movement to the CFS. |
| Amended | A correction has been submitted and is awaiting officer approval. | Follow up. Ensure the Customs Superintendent approves the change to move status to "A". |
| Error / Hold | ||
| NNot Found | Your Bill of Lading number is missing from the carrier's filed manifest. | Escalate. Contact your shipping line immediately to verify their filing. |
| MMismatched | Data mismatch in key fields like gross weight or package count. | Fix. File an IGM amendment to align records and unblock the system. |
| HLDHold | Customs has flagged the shipment for specific verification. | Resolve. Coordinate with your CHA to provide the requested documents. |
| E / RejectedError | A technical EDI transmission failure or structural data error has occurred. | Repair. Request that the carrier fix the structural error and re-submit. |
After learning what each status code means and how it gates Bill of Entry filing, importers feel the pain of payment and compliance delays, position Skydo as the partner that simplifies cross-border payments so they can focus on clearing cargo faster.
How Does Sea IGM Status Affect Bill of Entry Filing?
You cannot file the Bill of Entry (B/E) unless the Sea IGM gets processed status on the ICEGATE portal.
The cargo clearance process follows a strict sequence:
The Cargo Clearance Sequence
Each step unlocks the next. IGM must be processed before anything else moves.
IGM Filed
IGM Processed
Bill of Entry Filing Unlocked
Duty Assessment
Out of Charge
Each day of an IGM hold can add one to two days to your total cargo release window. An unprocessed manifest prevents the vessel from receiving Entry-Inward status, keeping your cargo stuck on board or at the pier.
While waiting, demurrage charges accrue daily once your free storage period expires (usually of 3 to 5 days). Here’s an example showing how much these charges amount to:
Let’s assume your cargo is discharged from the vessel on July 2nd, but a single-character mismatch between your Bill of Lading and the filed Sea IGM blocks you from filing your Bill of Entry.
The port and shipping line usually offer 3 and 7 free days respectively, but the IGM amendment isn't approved until July 12th. You would be charged with 8 days of port storage charges and 4 days of shipping line demurrage.
Customs can also levy a late presentation penalty of approximately ₹10,000 per day per B/L, meaning a 10-day documentation delay could cost you over ₹1,00,000 in penalties alone.
💡 QUICK INSIGHT
Some ports allow advance Bill of Entry filing, but customs will not assess duty until the IGM is processed.
What Are Common Sea IGM Errors and How to Fix Them?
Here are the five most common Sea IGM errors with how to fix them:
| Error Type | Likely Cause | Resolution Flow |
|---|---|---|
| IGM Not Found | Typographical errors in the B/L number or the manifest, not yet validated by customs. | Recheck your entry details, wait at least 2 hours for system updates, or confirm filing status with your carrier. |
| B/L Mismatch | The B/L number in the carrier's file does not match your physical transport document. | Contact your shipping line to request a formal IGM amendment. |
| Wrong Port Code | Searching with an Inland Container Depot code instead of the Gateway Port where the vessel arrived. | Verify and use the specific seaport code. |
| Amendment Pending | A correction has been submitted but is awaiting manual approval from a customs officer. | Coordinate with your agent to follow up with the Customs Superintendent. |
| Portal Timeout | High server traffic during peak hours or scheduled ICEGATE maintenance windows. | Attempt your search during off-peak hours. |
IGM Amendment Process
- Who initiates it: The shipping line or its authorized steamer agent files the correction request with customs.
- The turnaround time: Mostly within 30 minutes to 3 hours, though peak seasons can stretch this to half a day.
You should escalate to your customs broker for issues involving official cargo holds or manual system integrations. Contact the shipping line directly if your Bill of Lading is missing from the manifest or contains factual data errors.
Sea IGM vs Sea EGM: What’s the Difference
Sea IGM and Sea EGM are for completely different purposes. Yet, many traders confuse them. Here’s a table covering the definition, key differences, and common causes of confusion:
| Feature | Sea IGMSection 30 | Sea EGMSection 41 |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Mandatory electronic declaration listing all cargo entering the country on an arriving vessel. | Detailed document listing all goods exported from the country after a vessel has sailed. |
| Filing timing | Filed before vessel arrival. | Filed after the vessel has sailed, usually within 7 days. |
| Primary goal | Lets the importer file a Bill of Entry and unload cargo. | Provides proof of export to claim GST refunds and duty drawbacks. |
| Tracking fields | IGM Number or B/L Number, plus Port Code. | Shipping Bill Number, Shipping Bill Date, and Port Code. |
| Impact of errors | Triggers cargo holds, detention, and daily demurrage charges. | Blocks export incentives and can cause penalties for late filing. |
Common Causes of Confusion
- Shared Platform: Both documents are tracked through the ICEGATE portal and use identical status codes like Filed or Accepted.
- Alternative Names: Recent regulations have introduced alternative names—Sea Arrival Manifest (SAM) for IGM and Sea Departure Manifest (SDM) for EGM
- Input Differences: Importers sometimes attempt to track an IGM using a Shipping Bill number, which only applies for EGM (export) tracking.
Sea IGM vs Air IGM: What’s the Difference
Sea IGM and Air IGM serve the same purpose: to notify customs about incoming cargo. However, the operations run differently. Understanding these nuances helps you set the correct expectations for clearance speed and documentation accuracy.
| Feature | Sea IGM | Air IGM |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Mandatory electronic declaration listing all cargo intended for unloading from an arriving ocean vessel. | Summary filed with customs for all cargo arriving on an international flight. |
| Filing entity | Shipping line or an authorised steamer agent. | Airline, air cargo agent, or freight forwarder. |
| Primary document | Based on the Bill of Lading (B/L) issued by the carrier. | Based on the Air Waybill (AWB) issued by the airline. |
| Filing deadline | Required 24 hours before the vessel's arrival at the port. | Often filed just before or on arrival of the aircraft. |
| Amendment focus | Often complex, involving detailed container and seal numbers. | Focused on inaccuracies in the Air Waybill details. |
| Processing speed | Slower, due to vessel traffic volumes and manual port synchronisation. | Much faster, designed for time-sensitive air cargo. |
Operational Tracking Differences
For air shipments, follow the same process: Visit the ICEGATE website, click on Services, and Public Enquiries 2.0.
- Once that screen opens, click on Document Status, and then Air-IGM.
AIR IGM TRACKING- Use your Air Waybill number and the specific airport code to generate a report.
AIR IGM TRACKINGFor tracking sea shipments, you must provide your 11-to-13 character Bill of Lading number and the 6-character seaport code. Air tracking is straightforward; while sea tracking provides more granular results.
How does Skydo help?
What happens after your cargo clears? You start production and once they’re ready, ship orders for your overseas buyers. When it’s time to receive international payments, you need a low-cost, transparent cross-border platform like Skydo.
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Compliance-ready documentation
With every international payment, you get a FIRA for free. A FIRA is essential for tax filing and claiming export-related incentives.
Can I file a Bill of Entry before the Sea IGM is processed on ICEGATE?
You can file a Prior or Advance Bill of Entry before the manifest is processed. While this allows you to prepare for clearance in advance, Customs will not assess your duty or grant permission to reclaim the cargo until the Sea IGM is successfully validated and integrated into the system. Filing early helps speed up the overall window, but it carries risks if the eventually filed manifest contains data errors.
How long does it usually take for a Sea IGM to reflect on ICEGATE after vessel arrival?
What should I do if my Sea IGM shows a mismatch with the Bill of Lading?
Is Sea IGM tracking available on mobile devices?
