The Vizhinjam International Transshipment Seaport has been notified as a customs port, enabling it to handle export and import (EXIM) cargo in addition to its existing transshipment operations.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs issued the notification, paving the way for the port to emerge as a new gateway for India's exports and imports.
Official sources said EXIM operations will begin on August 18 as part of the Kerala government's 100-day action plan.
Since commencing operations in July 2024, Vizhinjam has functioned exclusively as an international transshipment hub, handling container ships and transferring containers between vessels. The launch of EXIM services will transform it into a full-fledged export-import gateway.
The move is expected to reduce logistics costs, improve supply chain efficiency, enhance the competitiveness of exporters, attract investment and generate employment in shipping, logistics and allied sectors.
Developed under the public-private partnership model by the Kerala government and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, Vizhinjam has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing container ports. Within 18 months of commercial operations, it handled 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of container traffic.
The customs notification specifies that no container freight station (CFS) has been attached to or designated for the port. As a result, Vizhinjam will handle only the direct movement of full containers. Loose cargo or containers requiring de-stuffing or examination at a CFS will not be permitted.
Imported containers must be transported directly from the terminal to the importer's premises within 48 hours of landing. For exports, the port will accept only fully loaded containers that are ready for shipment.
The port has already handled some of the world's largest container ships. Road connectivity for container movement has been completed, while a dedicated 10-km rail link, including a 9-km tunnel, is planned to connect Vizhinjam with the Balaramapuram railway line between Thiruvananthapuram and Nagercoil.