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Published on: Jun 24, 2026

Direct Port Delivery Scheme (DPD) for Importers

On 5

th September 2019, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) released a circular regarding the eligibility criteria for availing Direct Port Delivery (DPD) Scheme by Importers.

Outline

The Government of India (GOI) introduced a Direct Port Delivery system for

importers to take delivery directly from the port, rather than the CFS process. The DPD system was first introduced in Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) for all the registered members associated with the Customs Accredited Client Program (ACP). It was implemented to minimize the delivery time, regularize the process of storing containers at ports and reduce the logistics cost of the containers. This helps to create more space for consignments if the manufacturer requires necessary or additional storage space. The DPD system operates in two types of modes, they are: DPDDPD – The importer takes delivery from the port with their transport DPD/CFS – The importer chooses the CFS process for delivery This announcement seeks to extend its operation to all the ports in India by streamlining general guidelines, eligibility criteria, and mode of operation. Since this process offers prolonged minimal cost for operation, CBIC recommends all the importers register with

Objectives of DPD

To decrease the time for allocating and re-allocating the shipping consignments.
Play a vital role in having a minimal rate for the operations
Simplify the rules, regulations, and eligibility criteria for ease of doing business
Encourage SMEs, MSMEs, and shipping industries to actively participate in the DPD system
Increase the infrastructure of the ports to store more consignments
Support Accredited Client Program to increase voluntary compliance among the importers

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Eligibility Criteria for Direct Port Delivery Scheme by Importers

Avoiding Clearance through Container Freight Stations (CFS)

One of the important initiatives by CBIC is taking necessary measures to avoid routing the clearance through CFS. This initiative has reduced time and proved cost-effective for all the importers. It was first launched at JNPT and will soon be implemented in other ports. Since CBIC adopted the DPD process, the consignments would be transferred by the internal team rather than members from the shipping company. This allows the containers to be sealed appropriately, labeled for identification, and sorted and stored for allocation when the quantity is less than complete.

Regulating guidelines

CBIC has regulated the guidelines to increase the mode of operation at all ports in India. The regulated guidelines will methodize the eligibility criteria, which will, in turn, increase registered importers and simplify the process of business.

Factors for availing DPD Scheme

Other than the benefits of time management and cost-effective process, importers choose to avail of DPD for the following reasons:

Non-receipt of original documents from foreign countries
Consistent delay in delivering the order
Financial and credit constraints
Delay in settlement of debt of shipping lines
Choosing a PD account with the terminals

Also read: Prohibited Items for Import into India

Guidelines for DPD

Eligible criteria for availing of DPD

The importers should have registered as AEO Tier I, II, or III status

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The importers should have a clear track record
The import volume should be 25 Full Container Load (FCL), and Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in the present or previous financial year.
All information should be furnished under Annexure-A

Importers who are not Eligible to Avail of DPD

Importers who have a track record or case of the following in the last five years:

Mis-declaration of account of goods
Harboring
Diverting the imported goods without informing the official department

Importers recorded with ongoing prosecution proceedings under Section Customs Act, 1962 Imported goods are subjected to 100% examination related to the current terms and policies Importing the goods by LCL consignments Learn about

Import and Export Code

Rules for availing of DPD

The following are the conditions to be followed by the importer who chooses to avail DPD scheme.

The importers should open a PD account with the terminals
The shipping company should arrange the transport for transporting the goods from the port to the industrial or manufacturing site
Should follow all the norms as stipulated by CBIC

Applying for DPD

The following are the procedures that should be followed by the importers while availing of DPD. Step 1: The importer should inform the Shipping line 48 hours in advance before the arrival of the vessel

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Step 2: The mode of DPD, such as DPDDPD or DPD/CFS, should be informed while registering with the Shipping line. Step 3: File advance B/E and procure OOC from the DPD cell to exit the port gate Step 4: The importer can inform in advance through mail or by DPD portal for importers Direct-Port-Delivery-Scheme-for-Importers-3

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Step 5: After providing the required information, the importer can download the IAL document from the DPD Portal Step 6: Verify the status of DPDDPD or DPD/CFS

Documents Required to Apply for DPD if the Importer is not registered with DPD Cell.

Original Bill of Landing (B/L)
Copy of the Delivery Order
Original FTA certificates
Copy of Terminal discharge report

Click here to learn more about

GST rates, logistics, and operation for delivery systems.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Direct Port Delivery Scheme for Importers in India.

The Direct Port Delivery (DPD) Scheme is an initiative by the Indian government that allows importers to take delivery of their consignments directly from the port, bypassing the Container Freight Station (CFS) process. This scheme aims to minimize delivery time, regularize the storage process at ports, and reduce logistics costs for importers.

The DPD Scheme operates in two modes: (1) DPD-DPD, where the importer takes delivery from the port with their own transport, and (2) DPD/CFS, where the importer opts for the CFS process for delivery.

The key objectives of the DPD Scheme include decreasing the time for allocating and re-allocating shipping consignments, minimizing operational costs, simplifying rules and eligibility criteria for ease of doing business, encouraging SMEs and MSMEs to participate, increasing port infrastructure capacity, and promoting voluntary compliance among importers.

Importers who have registered as Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Tier I, II, or III status, have a clear track record, and have an import volume of at least 25 Full Container Load (FCL) or Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in the current or previous financial year are eligible for the DPD Scheme.

Importers availing the DPD Scheme must open a PD account with the terminals, arrange transport for moving goods from the port to their industrial/manufacturing site, and follow all norms stipulated by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

Importers can apply for the DPD Scheme by informing the shipping line 48 hours before the vessel's arrival, specifying the DPD mode (DPD-DPD or DPD/CFS), filing an advance Bill of Entry, obtaining an Out of Charge from the DPD cell, and providing required information to download the Import Arrival List (IAL) document from the DPD Portal.

If an importer is not registered with the DPD Cell, they need to provide the original Bill of Lading, a copy of the Delivery Order, original Free Trade Agreement certificates, and a copy of the Terminal Discharge Report to apply for the DPD Scheme.

The DPD Scheme offers several benefits to importers, including reduced delivery time, cost-effective operations, avoiding delays due to non-receipt of original documents or settlement of debts with shipping lines, and the option to choose a PD account with terminals.

Importers with a track record of mis-declaration of goods, harboring, diverting imported goods without informing authorities, ongoing prosecution proceedings under the Customs Act, 1962, or importing goods subjected to 100% examination or LCL consignments are not eligible for the DPD Scheme.

The DPD Scheme simplifies the process of doing business by regulating guidelines, streamlining eligibility criteria, and encouraging SMEs, MSMEs, and shipping industries to actively participate in the system. This initiative aims to create a more efficient and cost-effective import process for businesses in India.