Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Ports Minister V N Vasavan said on Saturday that the Vizhinjam International Seaport in the state capital has been approved as a Customs port, PTI reported.
The minister said a gazette notification in this regard was issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, which allows the port for unloading imported goods and the loading of export goods or any class of such things.
In a statement, Vasavan said, with permission, Vizhinjam has become a legally recognized port for export and import.
"Permission was given after fulfilling the guidelines put forward by the Department of Customs, including the completion of office facilities, buildings, computer systems, better server room facilities, etc.," Vasavan said.
He said that the port now has pending approvals under Sections 8 and 45 of the Customs Act and the Port Code.
Recently, the port received approval from the Ministry of Shipping, making it the country's first transhipment port.
The Vizhinjam port is being constructed under the public-private partnership model. Adani Group is the private partner in the development of Vizhinjam port, which is going to be one of the largest ports in the world once commissioned.