Kerala Blue Economy via Coastal EXIM

Vizhinjam Port was recently inaugurated by the Prime Minister. What is the current customs readiness at the port to handle EXIM cargo?

Even before Vizhinjam port formally starts EXIM operations, we are fully prepared. A full-fledged Customs office has already been established with strong support from the port custodian. We have secured a large premises, and the sanction of 32 dedicated Customs officer posts at Vizhinjam is in the final stages.

The port is already notified by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) as a customs port, and the Customs Commissioner has also issued a notification approving proper places in the port for loading and unloading of goods.
The port is already notified by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) as a customs port, and the Customs Commissioner has also issued a notification approving proper places in the port for loading and unloading of goods.
Currently, customs activities for international transshipment are ongoing. As soon as EXIM cargo starts, we’re fully equipped to handle Customs procedures—from Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) terminals and container scanners to trained personnel ready on site.

Could you elaborate on the customs infrastructure and EDI readiness across Kerala’s coastline beyond Vizhinjam?

Absolutely. We have established a robust Customs preventive presence at multiple minor ports along the Kerala coast—Kollam, Beypore, and Azhikkal—besides the major port at Cochin. All these ports are EDI-enabled, UN LOCODE compliant, and recognized customs stations. The required infrastructure, including terminals and scanners, is already operational or nearing completion.

Furthermore, we have the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Kottayam, where customs officers are taking place. This decentralized clearance system means importers/exporters don’t need to rely only on Cochin port; they can file shipping bills or bills of entry at the nearest port or ICD.

Is coastal shipping being considered as a means to facilitate EXIM cargo movement from Vizhinjam and other ports?

As Customs, our role is to facilitate clearance and ensure compliance. Commercial decisions such as choosing road or coastal shipping lie with the trade.

However, we are fully prepared to support customs clearance regardless of the mode of transport. If cargo is cleared at Vizhinjam, it can be moved by sea to other ports like Kollam, Cochin, Beypore, or Azhikkal. After clearance, it is duty-paid imported goods, the movement of which is the importer’s choice. Traders can choose sea, road, or even air (via Trivandrum Airport) to move goods further inland.

What about the reverse logistics for exports? Can exporters use these minor ports to file shipping bills and dispatch cargo to gateway ports?

Definitely. Exporters can file shipping bills at any of the notified minor ports—Vizhinjam, Kollam, Beypore, or Azhikkal—or at ICD Kottayam. Exporters have the option of self-sealing the containers. The export containers can be brought to these ports, examined if required, and then shipped to gateway ports like Cochin or Vizhinjam for travel to the final destination of export.

We also promote the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. Once exporters are AEO-certified, they enjoy significant facilitation, including minimal inspections both in India and abroad.

Has any coastal cargo movement started post-clearance at Vizhinjam or other ports? Are there any barge or feeder operations currently?

As of now, we have not seen active coastal feeder or barge operations for containerized EXIM cargo from Vizhinjam. However, ICD Kottayam does operate a barge that carries 5–6 containers to Cochin port. If similar infrastructure is developed for Vizhinjam or other minor ports, it would significantly boost blue economy logistics.

There’s a clear opportunity for entrepreneurs to introduce feeder vessels with onboard cranes to facilitate cargo movement across Kerala’s coastline. Once such systems are in place, coastal cargo will pick up naturally, especially given its cost-effectiveness compared to road transport.

Does this mean importers can choose to get their cargo cleared at minor ports like Kollam or Beypore OR Azhikal instead of Cochin?

Yes. Even today, an importer who brings cargo through Cochin can opt for customs clearance at a minor port like Kollam, Beypore, or Azhikkal by filing an SMTP (Sea Manifest Transshipment Permit).

The Bill of Entry may be filed at the chosen minor port, and our officers stationed there will process the clearance. This option is not dependent on Vizhinjam’s EXIM activation.

It’s a facility already available and operational today. The same applies to exports—self-sealed containers can be cleared at the nearest port or ICD, saving cost and time.

What steps has the Customs department taken to sensitize the trade community about these facilities?

Since I took charge on March 6, we’ve conducted outreach and trade facilitation meetings across Kerala—in Kottayam, Thrissur, Calicut (2 times), Kannur, and other regions. These sessions have helped us address misconceptions and communicate the availability of decentralized customs clearances.

Many traders were unaware that customs officers are already deployed at minor ports and ICDs.

We’ve emphasized that clearances can be done closer to their manufacturing or trading bases—be it for coir, cashew, rubber, spices, or other commodities. Our objective is to bring customs services to their doorstep.

We are in the process of conducting similar sessions for coir at Alappuzha, for cashew at Kollam, and for spices, marine products, etc., at different locations in Kerala.

 Our vision is to transform Kerala into India’s leading maritime and coastal economic hub by activating the Blue Economy through full operationalization and sustainable development of all minor ports, including Kollam, Kochi, Beypore, Alikkal, and ICD Kottayam, ensuring inclusive growth from village shores to global trade routes.

“Ports Alive, Economy Thrives—Blue Prosperity for Kerala’s Rise!”