New Delhi: The government has exempted international cruise passengers from paying merchant overtime charges for customs clearance of passengers and accompanying baggage at designated round-the-clock customs ports.The move is aimed at boosting cruise tourism and easing passenger processing, the CBIC said in a circular issued late Tuesday. The decision follows representations from the shipping ministry, the Cruise Bharat Mission and industry stakeholders, who argued that the levy increased operational costs and reduced competitiveness of Indian cruise destinations, the circular said.
Govt waives customs overtime charges for cruise passengers
International cruise passengers will no longer pay merchant overtime charges for customs clearance. This decision aims to boost cruise tourism and simplify passenger processing. The move follows requests from the shipping ministry and industry stakeholders. It is expected to reduce operational costs and enhance the competitiveness of Indian cruise destinations. This exemption applies to designated round-the-clock customs ports.








