Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations, 2018 go live port by port from 1 September 2026; no penal action in the roll-out phase — CBIC Circular 38/2026-Customs
CBIC has made the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations, 2018 operational from 1 September 2026 in a phased manner. Goa and Bombay started on 1 September; Chennai follows on 9 October, and Nhava Sheva and all remaining ports on 15 October 2026. No penal action is to be taken during the implementation phase.
Key facts
- In force
- 1 September 2026, port by port up to 15 October 2026
- Who it affects
- Stakeholders who file SCMTR electronic messages at sea ports; SEZ units
- What it is
- Action needed
- Section
- Customs
- Published
- 1 September 2026
In 30 seconds
- Circular No. 38/2026-Customs is dated 1 September 2026.
- SCMTR electronic messages have been developed, tested and made operational, but filing by stakeholders is still low.
- Annexure A gives the port-wise dates: from 1 September 2026 (Goa, Bombay) to 15 October 2026 (Nhava Sheva and remaining ports).
- SEZ units may use the transition period to on-board into the SCMTR framework.
- Field formations are to resolve system issues with DG Systems; no penal action should be taken during the implementation phase.
हिंदी में सार
CBIC ने Circular 38/2026-Customs (1 सितंबर 2026) से Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations, 2018 को 1 सितंबर 2026 से चरणबद्ध तरीक़े से लागू कर दिया है। गोवा और बॉम्बे 1 सितंबर से, चेन्नई 9 अक्टूबर से, और न्हावा शेवा तथा बाक़ी सभी बंदरगाह 15 अक्टूबर 2026 से। लागू करने के इस दौर में कोई दंडात्मक कार्रवाई नहीं होगी; SEZ इकाइयाँ इस अवधि में SCMTR से जुड़ सकती हैं।
What the circular says
The Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018 were issued by Notification No. 38/2018-Customs (N.T.) dated 11 May 2018. Circular No. 38/2026-Customs dated 1 September 2026, which also refers to Notification No. 73/2026-Customs (N.T.) of the same date, records that the development and testing of electronic messages under the SCMTR framework is complete and that the messages have been made operational for the trade — but that filing of messages by stakeholders is still low.
CBIC has therefore decided that SCMTR, 2018 shall be made operational with effect from 1 September 2026 across ports in a phased manner. All stakeholders are expected to file their respective electronic messages in the Customs Automated System for smooth functioning and clearance of cargo.
Port-wise schedule (Annexure A)
| Date of implementation of SCMTR messages | Ports (port code) |
|---|---|
| 1 September 2026 | Goa (INMRM1), Bombay (INBOM1) |
| 7 September 2026 | Mangalore (INNML1), Vizag (INVTZ1), Kakinada (INCOK1) |
| 11 September 2026 | Tuticorin (INTUT1), Gangavaram (INGGV1), Cuddalore (INCDL1) |
| 21 September 2026 | Cochin, Paradeep (INPRT1), Ennore (INENR1), Kattupalli (INKAT1) |
| 28 September 2026 | Kandla (INIXY1), Kolkata (INCCU1), Hazira (INHZA1), Dahej (INDAH1), Pipavav (INPAV1), Karanja (INKRN1), Haldia (INHAL1), Sikka (INSIK1), Dhamra (INDMA1), Vadinar (INVAD1), Magdalla (INMDA1), Jaigad (INJGD1) |
| 5 October 2026 | Bhavnagar (INBHU1), Okha (INOKH1), Karwar (INKRW1), Dabhol (INDHP1), Redi (INRED1), Mundra (INMUN1) |
| 9 October 2026 | Chennai (INMAA1) |
| 15 October 2026 | Nhava Sheva (JNCH) and all remaining ports |
The transition period
- SEZ units may use the transition period for on-boarding into the SCMTR framework.
- Field formations may issue Public Notices and take up outreach with stakeholders to familiarise the trade with the regulations.
- System-related issues are to be resolved by field formations in coordination with DG Systems; policy-related issues are to be brought to the notice of the Board.
- No penal action should be taken during this implementation phase.
What the trade should do
Check the date for the port you work at in the table above. From that date, file the electronic messages that apply to you under SCMTR, 2018 in the Customs Automated System. Watch for the Public Notice of your Custom House, and report system problems to the local formation so that they can be taken up with DG Systems. The circular does not say how long the implementation phase — and the protection from penal action — will last.
Questions and answers
From when is SCMTR, 2018 operational?
From 1 September 2026, in a phased manner across ports as per Annexure A to Circular No. 38/2026-Customs. The last date in the schedule is 15 October 2026, for Nhava Sheva and all remaining ports.
Will there be a penalty for mistakes or non-filing during the roll-out?
The circular says no penal action should be taken during the implementation phase. It does not state when that phase ends.
When does SCMTR start at Nhava Sheva, Mundra and Chennai?
Mundra on 5 October 2026, Chennai on 9 October 2026 and Nhava Sheva on 15 October 2026.
What about SEZ units?
The circular says SEZ units may utilise the transition period for on-boarding into the SCMTR framework.
Published 1 September 2026. Updated 4 October 2026. This report is for general information and is not professional advice. Read the source document before acting on it.