India’s SCMTR Regulations Transforming Digital Documentation by 2025

The maritime industry in India has entered a new era of digital documentation requirements with the implementation of the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR) on January 16, 2025. These regulations, mandated by the Commissioner of Customs, now require all shipping lines and vessel operators to comply with new digital submission protocols for cargo operations at Indian ports. This shift towards digital documentation is aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in cargo handling processes.

One of the key changes introduced by the SCMTR is the mandatory submission of the Sea Arrival Manifest (SAM) before vessel arrival and the Sea Entry Inward (SEI) post-arrival. This marks a significant advancement in India’s maritime trade documentation processes. Industry stakeholders are actively adopting digital solutions to meet these new requirements, aligning with global trends towards more efficient and transparent trade operations.

ODeX, a prominent player in the maritime industry, has developed a SCMTR module to support the transition towards digital documentation. This module offers essential functionalities such as Cargo Sequence Number (CSN) generation, streamlined House Bill of Lading (HBL) requests, and accurate manifest submissions. The solution is being actively deployed across major ports in India, ensuring standardized digital documentation processes at key maritime gateways.

To assist maritime stakeholders in complying with the SCMTR, the Government of India has provided official FAQs on their website for guidance. ODeX is also offering comprehensive SCMTR compliance solutions through their SCMTR compliance portal, aiming to simplify complex processes for their partners in the industry. By embracing these new digital requirements, stakeholders can not only meet compliance but also unlock operational efficiencies in their maritime operations.

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