Kerala’s Customs administration is ramping up efforts to drive the state’s Blue Economy agenda, introducing streamlined measures to facilitate export-import (EXIM) trade across major and minor ports.
SK Rahman, IRS, Chief Commissioner of Customs & CGST, Thiruvananthapuram Zone, said that Customs is fully equipped to handle EXIM cargo at the newly inaugurated Vizhinjam Port, even before the start of formal operations.
“A full-fledged Customs office has already been set up at Vizhinjam, with sanction for 32 dedicated officer posts in the final stages. The port has been notified as a Customs port, EDI terminals are functional, and container scanners with trained personnel are in place,” Rahman said.
Alongside Vizhinjam, Customs has strengthened its footprint at Kollam, Beypore, and Azhikkal, in addition to the major port at Cochin. All ports are EDI-enabled, UN LOCODE compliant, and notified as customs stations, supported by the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Kottayam for decentralized clearance.
This network enables importers and exporters to process shipping bills or bills of entry at their nearest port or ICD, reducing dependence on Cochin.
Customs clearance has also been integrated across transport modes—road, sea, and air—via Trivandrum International Airport. Exporters can self-seal containers and complete clearance formalities at minor ports or ICDs before dispatch to gateway ports such as Cochin or Vizhinjam.
ICD Kottayam currently runs a barge service moving containers to Cochin, while Customs has encouraged private players to introduce feeder vessels and barges equipped with onboard cranes to enhance coastal cargo movement and reduce logistics costs.
Importers can now clear cargo at minor ports like Kollam, Beypore, or Azhikkal by filing a Sea Manifest Transshipment Permit (SMTP). Exporters, meanwhile, benefit from Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, ensuring faster clearances and reduced inspections.
Since March, Customs has conducted multiple outreach programs across Kerala—including Kottayam, Thrissur, Calicut, and Kannur—to raise awareness about decentralized clearance facilities. Upcoming sessions will focus on sectors such as coir (Alappuzha), cashew (Kollam), spices, and marine products.
“Our vision is to transform Kerala into India’s leading maritime and coastal economic hub by activating the Blue Economy through full operationalization of all minor ports and ICDs,” Rahman affirmed.