New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, 25 July (H.S.): The Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has received approval from the Customs Department to commence import and export of goods with foreign countries, with cargo operations scheduled to begin from August 18.

Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), in a statement issued on Saturday, said that the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has granted approval for the commencement of operations. The port has received final clearance to begin export and import cargo handling from August 18.

According to the order issued by the CBIC on July 24, the Vizhinjam International Port, located near Thiruvananthapuram, was so far functioning only as an international transshipment hub. However, from August 18, 2026, the port will also begin handling import and export cargo operations.

According to VISL, since there is currently no designated Container Freight Station (CFS) associated with the port, the CBIC has laid down several conditions for the handling of import and export cargo.

A Container Freight Station is a facility located near a port where goods stored in containers meant for import and export undergo inspection, packing, unpacking, re-stuffing and completion of customs-related procedures. Under the prescribed conditions, import operations will be limited to full-container-load consignments eligible for direct port delivery. Such containers will have to be transported directly to the importer’s premises within 48 hours of their arrival at the port.

Vizhinjam International Port is India’s first deep-water transshipment port, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025. The port is situated just 10 nautical miles away from the international East-West shipping route, giving it strategic importance in global maritime trade.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar