Vizhinjam Seaport Recognized as Customs Port, Poised to Become Major Export-Import Hub

Vizhinjam international seaport has been officially recognized as a customs port following the approval under Section 7A and the issuance of a gazette notification. This designation allows Vizhinjam to legally handle export and import activities. The approval was granted after the port met the guidelines set by the Ministry of Customs.

“Customs required 12 provisions, including office facilities, buildings, a computer system, and an improved server room. Vizhinjam fulfilled all these requirements within the specified timeframe,” said Minister VN Vasavan.

To fully operationalize, Vizhinjam still needs approvals under Section 8, Section 45, and a Port Code. The necessary facilities for these approvals have already been prepared at the port.

Previously, Vizhinjam received approval from the Union Ministry of Shipping to become India’s first transshipment port. This status enables the port to handle cargo and containers arriving in smaller vessels from various parts of India, transshipping them onto larger motherships for international destinations. Similarly, containers from abroad can be unloaded from motherships and transferred to smaller vessels for distribution to local ports. This capability positions Vizhinjam as a key hub for the movement of goods between India and international markets.