GST port codes of India-complete list, importance in international trade

Ports of India

Ports of India has been the backbone of the country’s global trade and has grown manifold over the years. The way ahead, for growth of economy, Government of India has allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of up to 100% under the automatic route for projects related to the construction and maintenance of ports and harbours. Indian ports received cumulative FDI inflow worth US$ 1.63 billion between April 2000-March 2022. 

In FY22, major ports in India handled 720.29 million tonnes of cargo traffic, implying a CAGR of 2.89% in FY16-22. India’s key ports had a capacity of 1,598 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in FY22. From April-October 2022, all key ports in India handled 446.50 million tonnes (MT) of cargo traffic. In FY22, all key ports in India handled 720.29 million tonnes (MT) of cargo traffic. India’s merchandise exports in FY22 were at US$ 417.8 billion, up 40% from the previous year.

Advantage of Indian peninsula

India has a coastline spanning 7516.6 kilometres, forming one of the biggest peninsulas in the world. It is serviced by 13 major ports (12 Government-owned and one private) and 187 notified minor and intermediate ports.

what is port code , and how it is related to shipping bill

Port code India is the port code from where export of goods is being made with GST number. As an Exporter or importer, it is important to know your port code before doing any export/import from India. This article gives you an insight about the GST port code of major and minor ports in India and how it is relevant to your shipping bill.

Under Export of Goods India, Port Code is required, but in the case of Export of Services no Port code is required. In GST return. while issuing an export invoice, port code must be mentioned along with shipping bill number and date.

port code and bill of entry

The Bill of Entry is also dependent on the Port code number as the bill of the entry contains 13 digits and the initial 6 digits depict are port code as mentioned in the port code list and the next 7 digits refer to the Bill of entry number.

The port code mentioned on GST invoices or purchase invoices must match the GST Port Code list as shown below.

list of port codes -India

GST Ports Code List State wise