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Published on:

April 8, 2025

Viraaj Vashishth

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Basics of GST

List of Port Codes in India for GST

The importance of India port codes in international trade and tax has greatly increased because of the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Indian companies need to use these port codes while filing GST returns. This helps in consolidating different aspects of business compliance. These numbers are especially important for the exporting companies since they help in Reporting, Monitoring, Claiming, and Benefits.This port code article in India gives details about the port codes system, its role in GST, its importance in exports, and the updated list of port codes as on March 24, 2025.

Understanding Port Codes in India

A port code is a set of alphanumeric characters that uniquely identify a particular custom port. Each and every one of them including sea ports, Airports, Land ports, and even Special Economic Zones (SEZs), are given distinct port codes which enable seamless global trade. For example Kandla SEZ has a port code endpoint INKDL6; Vizag port is INVTZ1; Haldi port is INHAL1. These port codes are not just random combinations but follow a structured convention recognized worldwide, making them essential for exporters filing GST returns in India.

Custom ports in India differ from one region and mode of transport to another. Maritime trade is facilitated by seaports Chennai, Mumbai and Kandla. Cross-border trades by road or rail are managed by land ports Agartala and Attari. Aboard the air, Delhi Air Cargo and Kolkata Air Cargo handle cargo shipments while Jamnagar SEZ in Gujarat specializes in particular economic activities. All these ports have specific port codes for proper tracking and reporting under GST.

Also Read: Enhancing GST Security: Implement 2-Factor Authentication For e-Way Bill Systems

Why Port Codes Matter in GST Returns

Claiming input tax credits for ITC is an exporters foremost step when dealing with port codes, meaning, correctly stating port codes while filing GST returns is imperative for an exporter to get back the taxes paid on business purchases. This is one of the greatest features of India’s centralized indirect tax policy; businesses are allowed to apply taxes charged on business inputs against the taxes they owe. These codes are not only important for international transactions, but also for changing credits through the Indian taxation system.

In addition to offering tax credits, port codes also make customs processing easier. When exporters use port codes while filing GST returns, the GST and customs officials can easily cross verify the information. This speeds up the processes and minimizes disputes, assuring that goods can move seamlessly across borders. Moreover, port codes are essential to those exporters who want to take advantage of the government’s export-promotion incentives. These incentives aimed at enhancing competition of India in global trade come with strict requirements like validating the port code list in India which makes these incentives difficult to take out.

Port codes can also be used for increasing supply chain visibility which can be considered as another important benefit. Businesses and authorities can monitor the movement of goods from the time they are dispatched until they are delivered when port codes are used, making the tracking of shipments easier. This clarity is important for effective management of logistics as companies are forced to deal with problems in a timelier manner to ensure operational efficiency. Put simply, port codes in GST are important for the intersection of taxation, customs, and trade logistics which makes it very important for exporters.

You Can Read About: Unit Quantity Codes (UQC) in GST: A Comprehensive List

Exploring the Port Code List in India

The different port codes in India can be linked to its various geographical locations and the development of trade facilities in the country. These codes relate to different custom ports in various states and different modes of transport. To give you an idea, below are some of the major port codes in India:

Port Name	Port Code	Mode	Indian State
AACHIVS SEZ/Noida	INDEA6	ICD	Uttar Pradesh
Mangalore	INNML1	Sea	Karnataka
Bangalore Air Cargo	INBLR4	Air	Karnataka
Ennore	INENR1	Sea	Tamil Nadu
Chennai	INMAA1	Sea	Tamil Nadu
Kandla SEZ	INKDL6	ICD	Gujarat
Adalaj	INADA6	ICD	Gujarat
AA-SEZ Ahmedabad	INAPI6	ICD	Gujarat
Mumbai DP-I	INGRR6	ICD	Maharashtra
Mumbai DP-II	INGRD6	ICD	Maharashtra

This table presents only a small portion of India's hundreds of trade hub port codes. For example, the port code INENR1 refers to the seaport of Ennore, a significant port in Tamilnadu, while two port codes, INGRR6 for Mumbai DP-I and INGRD6 for Mumbai DP-II, correspond to the city of Mumbai which is a major trade center with dual port facilities. The codes are modified according to the transport type such as maritime, ICD, or road transport and area of the state and position within a region.

The port code list in India constantly changes in correspondence with the Indian trade infrastructure. The list is supplemented from time to time with new SEZs, airports, and land ports, each getting its code. For exporters, this list is useful in adherence to GST payments, claims, and other grant opportunities as the ports are continuously updated.

Staying Compliant with Port Codes

In closing, port codes in India facilitate trade and taxation under GST like identifiers. With a proper port codes list, exporters can confidently traverse the convolutions of GST returns and ensure compliance, transparency and growth in a constantly changing trade environment.

FAQs

1. What uses do port codes have in India?

Indian port codes are identifiers for custom ports. They are necessary when filing GST returns and exporting merchandise.

2. Why are port codes mandatory in GST returns?

Exporting goods requires basic port codes in order to reclaim input tax credit.

3. What benefits do port codes offer in India exports?

The basic port codes provide value by offering easy customs clearance and better tracking of goods during the export processes.

4. What is the port code for Mumbai in India?

Two codes pertain to Mumbai. INGRR6 is for DP-I and INGRD6 is for DP-II. Both are used for exports on the GST returns.

5. Is it possible to get export incentives without port codes in India?

No, port codes are needed in India when filing GSTRs in order to qualify for export promotion incentives.

6. What is denoted by INENR1 in the port codes in India list?

INENR1 is the port code for Ennore custom port in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is an export port.

7. Are there different port codes in India for airports and seaports?

Certainly, every custom port, whether an airport or a seaport, is assigned a port code in India.

8. What is the significance of port codes in India while filing GST returns?

To facilitate control over verification and guarantee the tax refund the enterprise is entitled to in regard to the export of goods.

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