Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Chennai Customs Waives Container Charges Amid SCMTR Technical Disruptions
Chennai Customs said some containers were delayed because of problems with a new cargo-reporting system.
The system is connected to the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations.
About 300 import shipments were reportedly affected at Chennai Port.
Many of the shipments contained cargo from different companies in one container.
Some containers could not move to freight stations, while others could not be cleared.
These delays could normally lead to storage or container-related charges.
Customs directed shipping lines and custodians not to collect those charges for eligible delays.
The waiver covers the affected period from September 6 to September 30.
Chennai Customs ordered custodians and shipping lines to waive demurrage, detention and storage charges for affected containers.
The waiver covers delays caused by technical issues linked to the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations.
The relief applies to qualifying delays occurring from September 6 through September 30.
Nearly 300 import consignments, mostly less-than-container-load cargo, were reportedly held up at Chennai Port.
Importers and brokers cited problems with manifest incorporation, split-manifest filing and related SCMTR amendments.
- Who
- Chennai Customs, shipping lines, custodians, importers and Customs brokers were involved.
- What
- Customs ordered a one-time waiver of demurrage, detention and storage charges for containers delayed by SCMTR-related technical issues.
- When
- The waiver applies to affected delays from September 6 through September 30; the public notice was dated September 22 and the report was published September 24, 2026.
- Where
- The disruption affected cargo at Chennai Port and some Container Freight Stations.
- Why
- Technical problems with filing and processing import manifests and SCMTR amendments delayed cargo clearance and movement.
- Affected consignments
- Nearly 300 import consignments were reportedly held up.
- Cargo type
- Most affected consignments were less-than-container-load cargo.
- Relieved charges
- Demurrage, detention and storage charges.
- Waiver period
- September 6 through September 30.
- Reported filing issues
- Import General Manifest and House Bill of Lading incorporation, split-manifest filing, and Sea Arrival Amendment/Cargo Summary Notification amendments.
- Relief type
- A one-time measure for delays attributable to SCMTR-related technical issues.