Customs to launch online rotation number for berthing

The Customs department proposes to introduce an online facility for generation of 'Rotation Number' required by vessels for berthing at ports as part of trade facilitation measure.
Port authorities, especially the Customs, issue the number to a vessel to indicate its turn for berthing for loading or unloading.
Currently, for allotment of rotation number for a vessel that calls on a port, the shipping line or its agents file an application with the Customs House in a prescribed format.
After confirmation of the particulars, details are entered into the system and the 'rotation number' is generated by the Indian Customs EDI System (ICES)

The Customs department has now reviewed the present system, a circular said.
With a view of simplifying the generation of 'rotation number' for vessels, it said a facility has been developed on ICEGATE portal for online application and self generation of the number by shipping lines or their agents.

"Under the proposed facility, the shipping lines or agents...Using their digital signature would have an option of 'Rotation Number Generation' on the ICEGATE user menu," it said.
On submission of certain details and authentication by the user using a one-time password or OTP, the rotation number would be generated by the system.

The trade facilitation measure will cut down on time taken in the entire process of generation of rotation number.