Indian customs issues SOP for ports to handle Middle East crisis: key guidance for exporters and importers

After checking all details minutely our team has written below for the help of Indian importers and exporters. In view of the ongoing geopolitical disturbance in the Middle East affecting maritime trade routes, the Government of India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all major ports to ensure uninterrupted cargo movement and minimize disruption to exporters and importers.

The SOP was issued under Order No. PD-24015/33/2026-PD-III dated 6 March 2026 from Transport Bhawan, New Delhi, and circulated to all major port authorities, maritime states and relevant trade agencies including the Directorate General of Shipping, DGFT and CBIC.

The directive aims to mitigate the operational impact caused by instability in the Middle East region, which has already affected vessel movements, insurance coverage, and shipping schedules.

Regular stakeholder monitoring at ports

Under the SOP, all Major Port Chairpersons have been instructed to hold periodic coordination meetings with key stakeholders including:

• Shipping lines

• Exporters and importers

• Terminal operators

• Customs authorities

• Mercantile Marine Department (MMD)

The purpose of these meetings is to continuously monitor the evolving situation and address operational challenges faced by cargo owners and shipping operators.

Appointment of 24×7 nodal officer

Each port is required to appoint a Nodal Officer at the level of Head of Department (HOD) or Deputy HOD who will act as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for all crisis-related operational issues.

The details of the officer including:

• Name

• Designation

• Contact number

• Email address

must be published on the port’s official website and the officer must remain available on a 24-hour basis to respond to trade-related concerns.

The nodal officer is responsible for ensuring that port-related issues are resolved within 24 hours, while issues requiring coordination with external agencies such as Customs or regulatory approvals must be resolved within 72 hours.

Additional cargo storage and transshipment facility

The SOP allows ports to introduce temporary facilitation measures to prevent congestion or cargo disruption.

Ports may permit cargo originally destined for the Middle East to be stored as transshipment cargo during the crisis period.

Where required, ports can also:

• allocate additional storage areas

• provide temporary cargo yards

• allow operational flexibility for storage of diverted cargo.

This measure is particularly important for exporters whose shipments may face delays due to vessel cancellations or rerouting caused by regional instability.

Special berthing for diversion vessels

Ports have also been directed to facilitate ad-hoc vessel calls.

This means vessels that are unable to proceed to Middle East ports may temporarily call at Indian ports to:

• discharge cargo

• pick up transshipment cargo

• reorganize vessel schedules.

Ports must ensure such vessels are accommodated without causing disruption to normal port operations.

Back-to-town facility for export cargo

Export cargo that cannot be shipped due to the crisis may be returned to exporters under the “Back to Town” provision.

Ports must coordinate with Customs authorities to ensure this process is completed quickly, allowing exporters to:

• redirect cargo to alternative markets

• hold cargo at warehouses

• replan shipments without incurring heavy port charges.

Priority handling for perishable cargo

The SOP specifically instructs ports to prioritize perishable commodities, ensuring such cargo receives immediate handling and dispatch to avoid deterioration.

This measure is particularly relevant for exporters dealing in:

• agricultural products

• seafood

• refrigerated food cargo.

Priority for returning cargo

Cargo returning from the Middle East due to vessel diversion or port closure must also be handled on priority basis to minimize congestion at ports.

Ports are expected to provide rapid clearance and operational support to handle such cargo efficiently.

Additional bunkering arrangements

The SOP also allows ports to facilitate additional bunkering capacity if demand rises.

Due to the instability in Middle East waters, many vessels may prefer Indian ports for refueling, increasing demand for bunkering services.

Ports must therefore coordinate with fuel suppliers and terminal operators to ensure sufficient supply.

Relief in port charges

Recognizing the financial impact on exporters and shipping lines, the SOP allows ports to consider reduction, waiver or remission of certain charges on a case-by-case basis, including:

• storage charges

• reefer plugging charges

• vessel change charges

• other port-related fees.

This flexibility is intended to reduce the economic burden on trade during the crisis.

Coordination with government agencies

Ports are instructed to coordinate closely with agencies such as:

• Customs (CBIC)

• Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

• Directorate General of Shipping

to ensure that all facilitation measures are implemented efficiently and within the stipulated timelines.

Additionally, daily action-taken reports must be submitted to the Ministry so that the government can monitor the situation and make further policy decisions if required.

Applicability of the SOP

The SOP is applicable specifically for Middle East bound cargo and vessels affected by the ongoing geopolitical crisis in West Asia.

The Ministry has clarified that the SOP comes into effect immediately from the date of issuance (6 March 2026) and will remain operational until withdrawn or modified based on the evolving situation.

What exporters and importers should do

Exporters and importers dealing with Middle East trade routes should:

• regularly monitor updates from their respective ports

• contact the designated nodal officer for operational support

• plan alternative shipping routes where necessary

• coordinate with shipping lines regarding vessel schedules.

The government’s SOP is intended to ensure that India’s port operations remain resilient despite geopolitical disruptions, while protecting the interests of exporters, importers and shipping operators.