Vizhinjam International Seaport Gets Customs Approval for EXIM Operations

Vizhinjam International Seaport Gets Customs Approval for EXIM Operations

• Who: Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd [VISL] Thiruvananthapuram Kerala received final approval from CBIC to commence EXIM cargo operations from 18 Aug 2026.
• Approval: CBIC notified VISL as Customs Port under Customs Act 1962 enabling direct EXIM operations, reducing reliance on foreign transshipment hubs, enhancing trade efficiency.
• Customs Coordination: CBIC will coordinate EXIM cargo regulation with VISL, Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd [AVPPL] and other agencies.
• Infrastructure: Developed under PPP model by Govt of Kerala in collaboration with Adani Ports and SEZ [APSEZ].
• About CBIC: Established 1964, HQ New Delhi, functions under Department of Revenue, MoF, headed by Chairman Vivek Chaturvedi.
• UPSC Relevance: GS3 - Infrastructure, Ports, Trade, Transshipment hub, Vizhinjam - India's first deep-water transshipment port.