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6. Receiving Shipping Document

The importer collects shipping documents along with the
advice note of shipment of goods from the exporters. Advice note contains a
written message through which exporter informs the importer about the
dispatch of goods and advise him to make agreement for taking delivery of
goods on arrival of goods at the port of destination.

The captain of the ship informs the dock authorities about the arrival of goods
on a document called Import General Manifest. The customs authorities in
turn inform the importer concerned about the arrival of goods at the port.

7. Appointment of Clearing Agents

There is lot of formalities involved in clearing the goods imported from the port.
Normally importer does not feel comfortable with completing the formalities by
him. In this case he may delegate the task of clearing the imported goods from
the port of discharge to clearing agent who is well-versed in this job.

The latter performs the job for a fee. The importer sends all the documents to
the clearing agent to enable him to take delivery of goods after fulfilling the
customs formalities prescribed in this regard.

8. Fulfillment of Customs Formalities

Clearing agent engaged by the importer performs the following activities in
connection with taking delivery of goods from the port.

i. Getting Endorsement for Delivery
The clearing agent gets bill of lading endorsed by importer in his favor
to enable him to take delivery of goods and approaches the shipping
company.
Where the freight is not paid, the clearing agent pays it. The shipping
company may give a separate delivery order after collecting the freight
charges or it may simply endorse on the bill of lading by the importer
or by his agent itself as a proof payment of freight charges.
ii. Payment of Dock Dues
The clearing agent submits two copies of filled in Application form to
“Landing and Shipping Dues Office. This office levies charges on all
the imported goods.