How Customs Clearance Works at Delhi Airport

1. The Layout of the IGI Air Cargo Complex

The Air Cargo Complex at IGI Airport covers extensive customs-bonded facilities managed by two primary terminal custodians:

• Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management: Operates one of the largest automated air cargo facilities in Asia, handling major international carriers such as Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Singapore Airlines.
• Delhi Cargo Service Center (DCSC): Handles dedicated international airline flights, pharmaceutical cold-chain centers, and heavy engineering cargo.

Both terminals operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Customs (Air Cargo Import), New Delhi. Explore our specialized Air Freight Services in Delhi.

2. Step-by-Step Airport Customs Clearance Lifecycle

Phase 1: Flight Touchdown & IGM Generation

Prior to flight arrival, the operating airline transmits the flight manifest electronically to Indian Customs. Upon landing, the Import General Manifest (IGM) is registered on ICEGATE. Aircraft pallets (Unit Load Devices - ULDs) are towed from tarmac bays to the import warehouse where cargo is de-consolidated and staged under customs custody.

Phase 2: Advance Bill of Entry & Document Matching

By pre-filing an Advance Bill of Entry on ICEGATE, your customs broker matches the AWB number against the airline's inbound IGM immediately upon entry. This enables duty assessment before the cargo is physically grounded in the warehouse.

Phase 3: Terminal Handling & Delivery Order (DO)

Your customs broker presents the Airway Bill to the airline's ground handling agent to secure the Delivery Order (DO). Terminal handling charges (THC), X-ray security scanning fees, and demurrage-free storage validation are processed directly with Celebi or DCSC.

Phase 4: Physical Examination or RMS Green Channel

If the Bill of Entry is assessed under the Risk Management System (RMS) green channel, no physical opening is required. If selected for physical examination (e.g., first check or second check), the cargo is brought to the customs inspection bay. A Customs Preventive Officer (PO) and Appraiser inspect package labels, serial numbers, and country of origin markings before endorsing the document.

Phase 5: Out-of-Charge (OOC) & Gate Pass

Once duty payment is verified via the Electronic Cash Ledger and PGA approvals (such as BIS or FSSAI) are completed, the Customs Superintendent signs the electronic Out-of-Charge (OOC) order. The custodian generates a final gate pass, and cargo is loaded onto our waiting trucks for immediate delivery across Delhi NCR.