With seconds ticking in the global logistics arena, every minute and every second matters, particularly when it involves air cargo. Customs delays or incomplete documentation can eat away at importers’ time and finances. Enter Air IGM tracking. You’re an importer, freight forwarder, or customs broker. Knowing the Air IGM (Import General Manifest) filing and tracking process is crucial to meet compliance, mitigate delays, and streamline your global shipping business.
At Afleo, we realize how important visibility and compliance are to seamless air cargo flow. In this blog, we break down all you need to know about Air IGM tracking, its advantages, challenges, and why it is more important than ever before.
What Is Air IGM?
Air IGM (Import General Manifest) is an electronic declaration filed by an airline or its permitted agent listing all the cargo arriving on an incoming international flight. It’s filed with customs authorities ahead of time, typically a minimum of 24 hours prior to arrival, so that they have the time to ready themselves for examination, screenings, or document checks.
It is a form of cargo declaration to enable the legal entry of goods into a nation. In India, the IGM has to be submitted by the airline or its approved handling agent through ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway).
The IGM contains:
- MAWB and HAWB numbers
- Shipper and consignee information
- Flight information: origin, destination, number, and date
- Type of goods, HS code, weight, value
- Number of packages, airline agent, and port of discharge
This statement enables customs to foresee arriving cargo and mark shipments that must be inspected in more detail.
Why Air IGM is Important
1. Pre‑Arrival Notice & Risk Profiling
Air IGM serves as an early warning for Customs. Through this prior intelligence, authorities can profile risk, schedule inspections, screen for security, and pre‑clear consignments in advance.
2. Compliance Assurance & Penalties Avoidance
Late or missing IGM filing, or incorrect information, may trigger heavy penalties, including delays in shipments, or even seizure under extreme circumstances. Most nations have tight deadlines and penalties for non-adherence.
3. Operational Visibility & Supply Chain Efficiency
Monitoring Air IGM status provides freight forwarders, importers, and logistics staff with visibility into shipment readiness prior to arrival. That visibility enables anticipating problems, simplifying document preparation, and preventing bottlenecks.
4. Customer Service & Transparency
By monitoring IGM status, importers and their carriers can notify customers in advance of possible delays or hurdles, enhancing trust and satisfaction.
If you want a more detailed explanation of IGM status meanings, check out our complete step-by-step guide on IGM status in shipping
What does an Air IGM contain?
Typical data required is:
- Flight number, date, time, origin and destination
- Master Air Waybill (MAWB) and House AWB numbers
- Shipper and consignee information
- Cargo description (HS code, weight, quantity, value)
- Supporting documents (e.g. Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Import License if required)
The Air IGM Filing & Tracking Process
1. Filing
- Carrier or agent submits Air IGM electronically, usually through national portals such as ICEGATE in India.
- Deadline: Submit ≥ 24 hours prior to arrival.
2. Customs Verification
Customs verifies IGM and verifies supporting documents for correctness. Any discrepancy can cause a hold or delay.
3. Tracking & Enquiry
- In India, importers employ ICEGATE’s “AIR IGM Enquiry” functionality. Enter destination location and the AWB number, enter captcha, and obtain real-time IGM status.
- Typical statuses are: IGM Filed, Under Customs Clearance, Pending/On Hold, Out of Charge (OOC) (indicating cargo is released) and Delivered.
Understanding IGM Status Terms
While tracking, you may see the following status updates:
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| IGM Filed | The airline/agent has successfully filed the IGM with customs. |
| Under Customs Clearance | The IGM is being processed by customs; examination may or may not be required. |
| Pending/On Hold | There’s a discrepancy in documents or missing information. Action is needed. |
| Out of Charge (OOC) | Cargo is cleared by customs and ready for delivery. |
| Delivered | Shipment has been handed over to the importer/logistics team. |
This simple tool provides real-time cargo visibility, especially helpful when multiple shipments are in transit or held under different stages of customs clearance.
Top Advantages of Air IGM Tracking
Real-Time Visibility
See IGM status instantly after filing, as it assists in keeping logistics teams updated on progress
Delay Prevention
Early identification of problems, such as wrong info, lacking docs, or tardiness, allows rapid correction prior to any fine being effective
Compliance Regulation
Regular monitoring guarantees submissions are in line with customs rules, lowering legal exposure and fine risks
Enhanced Customer Experience
Thanks to correct status notices, importers can communicate promptly with buyers or stakeholders, enhancing trust and clarity
Cost Savings
Prevent demurrage, detention charges, excess storage, and penalties by getting shipments cleared through customs quickly and on time.
Shared Challenges & Solutions
Incorrect Details
Typos as small as those in AWB, weight, or HS codes can lead to rejection of IGM. Cross‑check while entering data, and correct quickly if highlighted.
Late Filing
Failing to meet the 24‑hour deadline might invoke penalties. Set reminders, track airline agent status, or collaborate with reliable partners to remain compliant.
Gaps or Delays in Update Tracking
There might be a delay in some systems to reflect the IGM. In such instances, reach out to the customs broker or carrier for verification.
Mismatch with Bill of Entry
A Bill of Entry (BOE) should match the information in your IGM. Any such mismatch can delay or reject clearance, so ensure data synchronization across documents.
Since a Bill of Entry (BOE) must always match the IGM, understanding the process is essential. Here’s our complete ICEGATE Bill of Entry filing guide to help you avoid mismatches and delays.
Logistics Technology Partner’s Role like Afleo
Afleo provides technology and services that are specifically intended to handle Air IGM filing and tracking effortlessly:
Automated Air IGM Monitoring
Our system imports IGM status automatically, no portal login by hand. You receive real-time status such as Filed, Clearance, Hold, or OOC.
Discrepancy Alerts
If the IGM contains mistakes or mismatches, Afleo alerts concerned parties in real-time so that the right action may be taken.
Central Document Compliance
We cross‑verify Air IGM data with Bills of Entry, Commercial Invoices, and AWB details to ensure consistent filing and reduce risk.
Dashboards & Reporting
Importers and forwarders can see shipment pipelines, pending filings, customs holds, and arrival timelines in one real-time dashboard.
Customer Communication Tools
Auto‑notifications allow you to share shipment status with customers, including customs release or hold flags to keep them informed.
Real‑World Example
Let’s say an Indian company is importing surgical equipment from Germany via air. The airline files the IGM, but the HS code listed on the IGM doesn’t match the one on the commercial invoice. Without Afleo’s alert system, this would go unnoticed until customs flags it, delaying clearance and affecting hospital deliveries.
With Afleo:
- Our system flagged the mismatch before customs review.
- The corrected IGM was filed in time.
- Cargo cleared on arrival without detention.
Result: Zero penalty. On-time delivery. Satisfied importer.
How Afleo Simplifies Air IGM Tracking
We make tracking IGM easier at Afleo with our automated solutions and professional guidance, enabling your shipments to clear customs quickly with fewer mistakes.
Afleo’s Air IGM Support Features:
Automated IGM Monitoring Dashboard: Monitor all your shipments in one window, no more logging into ICEGATE manually.
- Real-Time Alerts: Receive notifications if your IGM is delayed, on hold, or mismatched.
- Data Validation: We validate your IGM information against BOE, invoice, and other documents to minimize rejections.
- Customs Support: Our experts help clear discrepancies with customs, update IGM filings, or raise queries with ICEGATE.
- Complete Audit Trail: Maintain a digital log of every IGM filing, amendment, and status change for future reference or compliance audits.
Conclusion
In international air cargo, Air IGM tracking is not just about documentation; it’s about operational control, regulatory compliance, and delivering superior customer service.
Whether you’re importing pharmaceuticals, electronics, or apparel, tracking your IGM status helps you:
- Avoid shipment delays
- Stay compliant with customs rules
- Ensure timely document filing
- Improve communication across stakeholders
- Deliver on time, every time
With solutions such as ICEGATE and logistics partners such as Afleo, Air IGM filing and tracking is quicker, simpler, and more accurate. Don’t take your air cargo for granted. Partner with Afleo and make each import seamless, compliant, and trouble-free.
Need assistance with Air IGM Filing or Tracking?
Reach out to Afleo today and let our experienced team manage your end-to-end documentation and compliance, so you can concentrate on growing your business across borders.
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