A Customs House Agent (CHA) in India is a government-licensed professional who files bills of entry on behalf of importers. Choosing the right CHA is one of the most important decisions an importer makes — a good CHA means fast clearance, correct duty calculation, and no compliance surprises; a bad one means delays, penalties, and cargo detention.
What a CHA Does
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| HS code classification | Determines correct tariff classification for your goods |
| Valuation | Converts invoice value to customs value (CIF); applies exchange rate |
| Duty calculation | Calculates BCD, SWS, IGST; advises on exemptions or FTA benefits |
| ICEGATE filing | Submits the electronic bill of entry on ICEGATE |
| e-Sanchit uploads | Uploads all supporting documents with correct document codes |
| Query resolution | Responds to customs officer queries on valuation, origin, classification |
| Duty payment | Coordinates e-payment of assessed duty |
| Delivery coordination | Presents OOC to port; coordinates with transporter for cargo pickup |
How to Evaluate a CHA Before Engaging
| Criterion | What to Check |
|---|---|
| License validity | CBIC CHA license (G-card) must be current; check on CBIC portal |
| Port coverage | CHA must be registered at the port where your goods arrive |
| Industry experience | Ask if they handle your product category regularly (pharma, electronics, etc.) |
| Turnaround track record | Ask for average clearance times for similar goods |
| Fee transparency | Get itemized quote: professional fee + port charges + miscellaneous separately |
| Compliance record | Ask if they have had license suspensions or penalty orders |
CHA Liability
A CHA is legally responsible for the accuracy of the bill of entry they file. Under the Custom House Agents Licensing Regulations, 2018, a CHA can face license suspension or cancellation if they:
- File a BoE with knowingly incorrect information
- Facilitate customs duty evasion
- Misrepresent the nature, value, or origin of goods
However, the importer is ultimately liable for duties and penalties if the BoE is incorrect — the CHA's liability does not replace the importer's responsibility.
Deciding whether to use a CHA at all, or file yourself? See our CHA vs self-filing comparison.
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