Air imports follow the same bill of entry procedure as sea imports but with key differences: the Airway Bill (AWB) replaces the Bill of Lading, clearance is generally faster, and courier/express shipments have their own simplified thresholds. India's major air cargo clearance stations are IGI Delhi (INDEL4), CSIA Mumbai (INBOM4), Bangalore (INBLR4), and Hyderabad (INHYD4).
Air Import vs Sea Import — Key Differences
| Factor | Air Import | Sea Import |
|---|---|---|
| Transport document | Airway Bill (AWB) | Bill of Lading (BL) |
| Manifest filed by | Airline (Import General Manifest) | Shipping line (IGM) |
| Advance BoE period | Before arrival | Up to 30 days before ETA |
| Typical clearance time | 1–3 days (Green channel) | 2–5 days (Green channel) |
| Storage cost if delayed | High — airport cargo demurrage expensive | Lower — port demurrage usually cheaper per kg |
| Courier/express threshold | Simplified procedure below ₹1 lakh (India) | No courier threshold — full BoE always |
Air Import Clearance Process (India)
- Airline files Import General Manifest (IGM) electronically before or on arrival of aircraft
- CHA obtains AWB from airline's cargo import agent
- CHA files bill of entry on ICEGATE citing AWB number and airline IGM
- Documents uploaded via e-Sanchit
- RMS channel assigned — Green channel is more common for air cargo than sea
- Duty assessed and paid via ICEGATE e-payment
- Out-of-Charge issued; airport cargo terminal releases goods
Courier and Express Air Imports — Thresholds (India)
| Value Range | Procedure | Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹5,000 (gifts) | No declaration needed — automatic release | Zero |
| ₹5,001 to ₹1,00,000 | Simplified courier BoE (Form K) | BCD + IGST at applicable rates |
| Above ₹1,00,000 | Full formal bill of entry on ICEGATE | Full duty applicable |
Comparing courier, air, and sea clearance side by side? See our full mode comparison guide.
FAQs
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Frequently asked questions
The Airway Bill (AWB) — issued by the airline or freight forwarder. The AWB number is cited on the bill of entry in place of the BL number.
Green channel: same day to 24 hours. Yellow: 1–2 days. Red: 2–5 days. Air cargo stations generally clear faster than seaports.
Up to ₹5,000 (gifts): duty-free. ₹5,001–₹1 lakh: simplified courier BoE. Above ₹1 lakh: full formal BoE on ICEGATE.