An Import General Manifest is an internationally important document involved in shipping. It assists customs officials in getting information about the incoming products prior to their arrival. The advanced information enables them to pose the cargo load and check documentation, as well as certification of shipments.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Import General Manifest, who files it, what documents are required, how it is filed, what some of the common mistakes are, the best practices, and more. Let’s get started!
What Is an Import General Manifest?
An Import General Manifest is a legal document filed with the customs, and it gives a complete account of all the items that are to be imported into a particular flight or ship.
It contains the names of the shipper together with the address and consignee, description of goods, the quantity of packages, weight, declared value, place of origin and destination, and the Harmonized System (HS) code, which is used in grouping the cargo.
Through this document, the customs officials gauge the risks involved, calculate the duties to be paid, as well as ensure that anything being imported into the country complies with the national laws.
It is essential to the safeguarding of the borders and the economy of a country. In the absence of the IGM, the customs are not able to clear your cargo, and they might prevent the shipment from entering the country.
Who Is Responsible for IGM Filing?
It is the carrier, typically the airline, the shipping line, or their authorised agent, that is responsible for filing the Import General Manifest.
In most instances, the carrier may have designated freight forwarders or licensed customs brokers who prepare and file the document on its behalf. These experts make sure that the necessary information is properly gathered and filled into the customs database.
The original shipment information is given by the exporter or the shipper, but it ends up at the level of the carrier or their agent to ensure that the relevant information is filed correctly and in time. Filing errors or delays can result in serious consequences, including fines and delayed deliveries. Following the correct IGM filing procedure helps avoid such issues.
IGM Filing Procedure
The IGM recording process is initiated by retrieving pertinent shipment information from records like the Air Waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (BOL). This information contains details of the sender and receiver, description of the merchandise, packing, total weight, and declared value.
The data, once collected, is loaded into the system of the carrier and made ready to be submitted. In the majority of countries, the Import General Manifest is submitted to the customs electronically via a customs portal or an EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) system.
Paper submission is also still acceptable in certain countries, though the most desirable mode of filing is through digital submission. Upon making the manifest, customs issues an acknowledgement to the carrier, and the cargo is duly registered to get cleared.
Documents Required for IGM Submission
In the act of filing an IGM, a number of other supporting documents are to be attached.
These are Air Waybills or Bills of Lading that demonstrate basic information on the shipments.
A commercial invoice shall be required to acknowledge the value and the content of the shipment.
A packing list gives information on the packing and labeling of the goods.
The other documents involved may be a certificate of origin, cargo insurance, and any permit or license required for an item that may be restricted.
These records needed to correspond with what is in the manifest. Mismatches between the documents and the IGM may result in the cargo being put on hold by the customs, which, in turn, results in delays and extra costs.
IGM Submission Timeline and Deadlines
The IGM submission has a rigid timeline and varies in terms of the transport method and local customs regulations. In air freight, the manifest has to be made at least 24 hours in advance before the arrival of the aircraft at the destination airport.
In the case of ocean freight, there are countries that demand submission 24 to 72 hours prior to the arrival of the vessel, whereas there are countries that will only accept submission shortly after docking.
Failure to meet such deadlines may lead to fines or demurrage and detention fees in the port or the airport. In order to prevent such issues, carriers will have to plan, gather all the data in time, and utilize digital systems to submit the Import General Manifest earlier. Early filing enables customs to be more flexible when it comes to the smooth handling of shipments. All these require cooperation from the importer and exporter.
Common Errors in IGM Filing and Their Impact
Errors in the IGM may create a very severe situation at customs clearance.
The typical mistakes imply wrong descriptions of products, the use of the wrong HS codes, absence or incorrect information about the consignee, and the weight or value of the cargo items.
The other problem is filing an interrupted or outdated manifest.
These mistakes may result in fines, goods being detained, shipment being flagged by customs, and even rejection of the cargo.
To avoid all these issues, having personnel (who are trained in the IGM preparation) prepare it, having a second person verify all of the information, and having good communication among the shipper, carrier, and customs agent are important.
IGM Amendment Process
When your Import General Manifest is wrongly filled, it would normally be rectified during the IGM amendment process. Amendments ought to be filed by authorized people only so that they can comply with the customs regulations.
The initial procedure is to contact the customs and inform them about the nature of the error. A formal amendment request should be made together with an update of documents.
This can be in the form of an amended invoice, amended AWB or BOL, letter of explanation, and perhaps an indemnity bond. The request will be reviewed by the customs, and in case of approval, there should be a correction in their system.
There is a possibility that the cargo will be on hold during the process. It is wise to act fast and submit full and correct documents to accelerate the approval process.
IGM vs. Other Shipping and Customs Documents
The IGM is a key customs document, but it’s different from others like the Bill of Entry. IGM tells customs what cargo is on board and provides a summary of all shipments in the vehicle, ship, or plane before goods arrive. On the other hand, the Bill of Entry is submitted by the importer after the goods arrive, to officially declare the shipment, pay any duties or taxes, and complete customs clearance.
There’s also something called the Gateway IGM. The Gateway IGM is a combination of arrival details and other movements. It is used when goods stop at a transit location, like a major port or airport, before reaching their final destination.
Conclusion
The Import General Manifest helps customs know about early cargo information, prepare to inspect it, and make decisions concerning importation before goods have arrived.
An adequate comprehension of the IGM filing process, the deadline of IGM submission, and the paperwork mandatory for IGM may enable carriers and importers not to waste time and money unnecessarily.
As far as mistakes are likely to happen, the immediate IGM amendment process is key to reducing disturbances. Well-organized, detailed, and collaborative efforts of all stakeholders will make it a success every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of an Import General Manifest (IGM)?
IGM allows customs to know exactly how to prepare the incoming shipments, duties, and the legal concerns that may be raised before the receipt of the shipment.
Who is responsible for IGM filing in air or sea shipments?
The filing of the IGM is mandatory for the carrier, by airline or shipping line, and it may transfer the responsibility to a designated customs broker or freight forwarder.
Can an IGM be corrected after submission?
Yes. If there is a mistake in the IGM, the carrier or their agent can request a correction through the IGM amendment process by submitting updated documents to customs.
