Shipping Bill Format for Indian Exporters
What a shipping bill looks like in practice, which fields matter, and how to keep it consistent with your invoice before filing.
What it is
In India, the shipping bill is the electronic customs declaration for export cargo. It is filed before goods are allowed to load, and it records the goods, value, destination, and any export scheme or benefit claimed.
It is not the carrier’s bill of lading. The shipping bill is a customs document; the bill of lading or air waybill is issued by the carrier after cargo is accepted for transport.
Core fields in the format
Exporter and IEC details, buyer or consignee, port of loading, country of destination, invoice number and date, goods description, HS / CTH code, quantity and unit, FOB value, and scheme or drawback details when claimed.
Supporting documents referenced in the filing — commercial invoice, packing list, and any authorisations — should already be final. Changing numbers after filing usually means a formal amendment.
How it must match your commercial invoice
Description, quantity, and value on the shipping bill should tie back to the commercial invoice and packing list. HS codes should describe the goods you are actually shipping. Mismatches invite queries and delay clearance.
Common mistakes
Filing from a draft invoice, then amending when prices or quantities change. Wrong HS code that affects incentive eligibility. Incomplete consignee or destination details. Treating the shipping bill as optional paperwork the CHA will invent without your final invoice.
How Bilexor helps
Bilexor keeps invoice and packing list values on one shipment record so the description and amounts you hand to your CHA for the shipping bill come from the same source.
Informational only — not customs filing advice. Confirm current ICEGATE / portal field requirements with your CHA before you file.
Frequently asked questions
Is shipping bill format the same as a bill of lading?
No. Shipping bill format refers to the Indian customs export declaration. A bill of lading is the carrier’s transport document.
Who prepares the shipping bill?
Usually the exporter or their customs house agent (CHA), filed electronically through the customs portal with invoice and packing list details ready.
Informational only — not legal, banking, tax, or customs advice. Always verify document and LC requirements with your bank, CHA / customs broker, and buyer before presentation.