1. What is Factory Stuffing / Self-Sealing Permission for Export?
In simple terms, Factory Stuffing / Self-Sealing Permission means that an empty container comes to your factory from the nearest ICD or main port, you stuff the goods, and seal it yourself. You don't need to send your goods to CFS for loading. If the seal is not tampered with, no one will open your container, and it will be loaded directly onto the vessel.
Previously, the factory stuffing process was done in the presence of a jurisdictional excise officer who would check and seal your container. However, from 2018, the physical presence of the officer has been discontinued, and exporters now need to seal the container themselves with an electronic seal. This new process is called Self-Sealing Permission.
2. How Does the Self-Sealing Permission Procedure Work?
Once exporters are granted Self-Sealing permission, they need to buy E-seals. Each E-seal contains a unique RFID chip with electronic information. The normal cost for one E-seal is Rs.300, and they are generally sold in boxes containing 20-30 E-seals. You can only buy these from registered vendors.
After stuffing the container, you need to attach the E-seal. During this process, you need to fill in all shipment details on the online web module/application of the E-seal vendor, such as IEC code, SB number and date, seal number, date and time of sealing, destination customs station for export, container number, truck number, etc. Once this information is entered online, it cannot be edited, so be careful when filling it out.
When your container reaches the port, a customs officer checks the E-seal with their device. If it displays a "Not Tampered" message, all further formalities are processed smoothly. This is the overall process.
Check out the below short video to understand What does Self Sealing Permission for export exactly mean, What are its Pros and Cons and Whether you should opt for it? Also understand what will be the eligibility criteria and the required documents to apply for it.
3. Pros and Cons of Factory Stuffing / Self-Sealing - Should you opt for it?
Pros:
- No Multiple Handling: Generally, if you stuff goods at CFS, loading/unloading happens 2-3 times, and different people handle it, increasing the risk of damage to goods.
- Cost Saving: If an ICD or main port is near your factory, you can save on CFS storage charges. The overall saving is a minimum of Rs. 2000 to 3000 per container.
- Optimization of Container Space: If your trained labor regularly stuffs the goods, they know how to do it efficiently without wasting space.
Cons:
- Long Distance from Factory to Port: If your factory is far from the port or ICD, the cost of transporting the empty container from the port or ICD to your factory will be very high, making factory stuffing unviable. Apart from this, there are no other major cons.
4. Eligibility Criteria & Application Procedure for Self Sealing Permission
All exporters who file GST returns are eligible to apply for Self-Sealing Permission. The initial validity of Self-Sealing Permission is 5 years for manufacturer exporters and 1 year for merchant exporters. After this period, they need to reapply to extend the validity.
Initially, the application for factory stuffing permission was made at the GST/Excise office. However, as per the latest rules, the application should be made at the jurisdictional Preventive Customs office of the factory or warehouse where you intend to carry out factory stuffing.
After submitting the application, a customs officer will visit the factory for inspection to check if there is sufficient space to carry out factory stuffing.
Based on the factory visit report and NOC from the jurisdictional GST office, the Preventive Customs officer will grant Self-Sealing Permission.
Once permission is granted by the Preventive Customs office, you need to register it at the respective port from where you will export.
5. Documents Required for Self-Sealing Permission Application
Some of the major documents required for the Self-Sealing Permission application include:
- A request letter.
- Annexure C and Annexure D where you need to list authorized persons who will handle the self-sealing procedure along with their Aadhaar cards, bio-data, specimen signature verified by the bank, etc.
- Common KYC documents like IEC, PAN, GST, MSME, etc.
- Copies of GSTR 1 and GSTR 3B of the last year.
- Site map with coloured photographs.
- Ownership agreement/lease deed of the factory premises or warehouse for which factory stuffing permission is required.
- Description of export goods, etc.
6. How Can We Assist You in Getting Factory Stuffing / Self Sealing Permission?
Our experts assist you in getting Factory Stuffing Permission, here is how –
- We first help you get the paperwork done for factory stuffing. So, we get customs clearance and other paperwork done on your behalf.
- We make sure you comply with all the regulations related to factory stuffing. If you are not aware, we also inform and train you in this matter.
- We ensure you use the RFID e-seal correctly to ensure the maximum safety of your cargo.
We have helped more than 250 companies get their Self-Sealing Permission and renew it.
7. Why Afleo Group?
We aim to provide very reliable services at the most competitive cost to exporters under one roof.
Social Media Presence: We strive to grow our relationships with clients by updating them about the latest notifications, circulars, and amendments in foreign trade policies on all social networking sites.
24/7 Telephonic Service: We offer fast services to clients who can't wait until morning to fix a problem. We are just a phone call away. Clients can call or drop a mail, and we try to reach them as soon as possible.
FAQ's
You get permission for factory stuffing from Indian customs. To get that, you need to comply with their regulations, submit the right paperwork, and cooperate with the inspection. After that, you will receive permission for factory stuffing.
Factory de-stuffing is unloading the cargo at the factory premises.
Factory de-stuffing is when you offload the cargo at the factory, while dock de-stuffing is when you do the same at the dock.
The primary difference between factory stuffing and self-sealing is that, in the former, you load the cargo at the premises, and in the latter, you seal it. Earlier, an officer from customs or excise used to supervise this process, but today, you can use the e-seal to complete the process without anyone being present.
No, there are no local distributors who retail the e-seals locally. Owing to security reasons, all orders for e-seals are received online and delivered to the mentioned address.
No, there are no minimum or maximum limits on the order of e-seals. However, these e-seals are usually available in a box of 20-30 e-seals, and you cannot buy them loose.
Yes, IEC is compulsory when purchasing e-seals.
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