Middle East War Disruptions: Customs Allows “Back to Town” for Stuck Export Cargo

 

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is beginning to disrupt global shipping operations, affecting exporters, shipping lines, and port operations across major trade routes.

As vessel schedules change and shipping lines suspend services to certain Gulf ports, export cargo from India has started getting stuck at terminals and container freight stations.

To ease congestion and support exporters, customs authorities at Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House have issued a facilitation measure allowing “Back to Town (BTT)” movement of export cargo.

This move is intended to help exporters retrieve cargo that could not be loaded due to disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

How the Middle East Conflict Is Affecting Shipping

The war situation in the region has triggered multiple operational challenges across global shipping networks.

Key disruptions include:

• Suspension of bookings by major shipping lines
• Temporary closure or restrictions at some Gulf ports
• Vessel rerouting to avoid high-risk zones
• Schedule changes and sailing cancellations

Because of these factors, cargo that had already entered port terminals in India for export is now unable to move forward.
At facilities linked to Jawaharlal Nehru Port, exporters are facing congestion as containers wait for vessels that may be delayed or cancelled.

Why Export Cargo Is Getting Stuck

In normal export operations, containers are loaded onto vessels and an Export General Manifest (EGM) is filed by the shipping line once the vessel departs.

However, in the current situation:

• Containers have already arrived at terminals, CFS, or Container Processing Premises (CPP)
• Scheduled vessels have been delayed or cancelled
• Cargo has not been loaded
• The EGM has not been filed

Without EGM filing, the export process remains incomplete, leaving containers stuck inside port facilities.

Customs Introduces “Back to Town” Facility

To prevent excessive congestion and reduce financial losses for exporters, customs authorities have permitted exporters to move cargo Back to Town (BTT).

This allows exporters to retrieve their export cargo from:

• Port terminals
• Container Freight Stations (CFS)
• Container Processing Premises (CPP)

Once cargo is taken back, exporters can plan fresh shipments when vessel services stabilize.

Procedure for Exporters to Move Cargo Back to Town
According to the customs notice, exporters or their Customs Brokers must follow a defined process.

Step 1: Application to Customs

The exporter or Customs Broker must approach the Assistant Commissioner (AC) or Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Customs with a request for Back to Town movement.

Step 2: Verification of Container Seal

Before permission is granted, customs authorities will verify the seal on the container.

This may include checking:

• Electronic seal (e-seal)
• Customs bottle seal

The seal verification ensures that the cargo remains intact and untampered.

Step 3: Processing at Terminal, CFS, or CPP

Once verification is completed, permission may be granted for the container to move out from:

• the port terminal
• Container Freight Station
• Container Processing Premises

The cargo can then be returned to the exporter’s premises or warehouse.

Why This Measure Matters for Exporters

The Back to Town facility provides several practical benefits during this volatile period:

1. Prevents long-term cargo blockage at terminals
2.  Helps exporters avoid storage and demurrage costs
3.  Allows cargo to be re-planned for alternate sailings
4.  Reduces congestion inside port facilities

Without such a measure, exporters could face significant financial and operational losses.

What Exporters Should Do During This Disruption

With geopolitical tensions affecting shipping schedules, exporters should take a cautious approach to logistics planning.

1. Track shipping line advisories regularly
 Service suspensions and route changes may happen quickly.

2. Coordinate closely with freight forwarders
 Forwarders can help secure alternative vessel options.

3. Avoid early port deliveries if vessels are uncertain
 Holding cargo closer to origin may reduce risk.

4. Stay updated on customs facilitation measures
 Authorities may introduce additional relief measures if disruptions continue.

The Bigger Picture for Global Trade

The Middle East region lies along some of the world’s most critical shipping corridors connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Any prolonged conflict in the region could impact:

• Container shipping routes
• Energy shipments
• Global freight schedules
• Port congestion levels worldwide

For exporters, agility and visibility across supply chains will be critical in navigating the uncertainty.