In this era of online shopping, we’ve all
experienced the inconvenience and disappointment of receiving a damaged, short,
or incorrect product - courtesy of poor or insufficient secondary&nbsp;packaging.&nbsp; While this matter can be resolved with a sales return,
it leaves a poor impression of the seller. If this happens regularly, it is
motivation enough to switch to another shopping portal – even if the products
on offer are of quality. Now imagine this situation in an international
trade transaction, where product orders are time bound and transit time is
long. How would you feel if you’re the buyer? And more importantly, how would
your business fare if you’re the seller? In either case, not very good.In any kind of trade transaction, especially where
international logistics is involved, secondary packaging forms an essential part of a complete
product or a shipment. A good outer packaging not only safeguards the product
from damages, but also helps create a positive brand image.<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 3.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a> Apart from the above reasons, here
are a few more benefits of good external packaging that you must be aware of:1. Eases Transportation and Reduces Cost:&nbsp;It is easier to handle and transport goods –small or large, if they are
properly packaged. Good packaging also reduces the time taken to load and
unload cargo on different modes of transport and ensures that the product
reaches the end customer undamaged. Along with making transportation easy, proper packaging also reduces handling costs.&nbsp;2. Reduces Risk of
Pilferage and Theft:&nbsp;A strong external packaging
that cannot be tampered with, helps reduces the chance of pilferage and theft.
It is especially important for valuable and small products, where the risk of
theft is high. 3. Maintains Quality and
Product Standard:&nbsp;Good external packaging helps
preserve the quality and standard of the product. It safeguards the products
from extreme weather conditions like excess rains, heat, moisture, and reduces
the risk of damages due to accidents. In case of perishable goods, it also protects the
product from decay and from losing its shelf life value. 4. Facilitates
Timely Delivery:&nbsp;Correct and necessary handling
instructions, weight and dimensions, and complete delivery address are an
essential part of an effective external packaging. Packaging that contains all
this information makes it easy to handle the product at every transhipment
point and ensure that it is delivered to the right recipient. Another point of import is to understand the extent
of loss that can occur due to faulty packaging. For example, according to an
analysis by TT Club, a transport and logistic insurer, of their own insurance
claims revealed that “65% of damages to cargo result from poorly packed,
blocked or secured cargo in CTUs, particularly freight containers”. If you’re still not convinced about the benefits of
a good packing, then the fact that the Indian packaging industry, estimated to
be worth $25 billion, is growing at 15% p.a. and is expected to touch $30 - $35
billion by 2020, should help drive home the need, importance, and consumer expectations
related to packaging.To sustain and build your business in international
trade, it is not only important for you to understand the importance of good
packaging but also know how to choose the correct type of packaging for your
shipment. Some important points that you need
to consider before selecting the packaging type and material are: 1. Type of Product:&nbsp;The kind of
packaging that you select should be in sync with your product. Packaging is
different for general products, machinery, spare parts, perishable goods,
liquids, and hazardous cargo - each of these products have their own
requirements, one solution cannot work for all. For example – perishable goods
need to be packed in an insulated container, glass or fragile products require
thicker containers or a double packaging. 2.&nbsp;Eco-friendly:&nbsp;When choosing packaging material, it is also necessary to ensure that the material you select for packaging is eco-friendly, reusable, recyclable and does not violate any environmental laws.3. Mode of Transport:&nbsp;Apart from the product type, the mode of transportation also influences packaging choices. Packaging differs for Ocean and Air transportation. While air transport requires light packaging and can do with less sturdy material, ocean transport requires more sturdy packaging which can withstand the extreme weather conditions at sea and the long transit times.4. Importing Country’s Packaging
Requirements:&nbsp;It is imperative to know if the country that you are shipping
to has any specific rules and regulations regarding packaging with respect to
material, palletisation, and labelling on the packages, etc. 5. Specific Buyer Requirements:&nbsp;Some
importers specify the packaging requirements for the the cargo that they are
buying. This can be in addition to the packaging rules and regulations of the
importing country. If you are an exporter it is important for you to get
clarification on these requirements and follow them while packaging the
products. The importer can refuse to accept the cargo if it is not packed as per
the given specifications. 6. Costs:&nbsp;While all the above
points are necessary to ensure that the cargo reaches the destination port without
any damages or loss, you also need to consider the costs required in the
packaging and ensure that it does not hamper your bottom line or margins.7. Type of Shipment:&nbsp;The type of
shipment –<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/product/logistics/cross-border/ocean-fcl">FCL (Full Container
Load)</a> or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/product/logistics/cross-border/ocean-lcl">LCL (Less than
Container Load)</a> also plays a role in
determining the kind of packaging. As compared to FCL, a sturdier and stronger
packaging is required for cargo that is being transported in LCL shipment as
your cargo will be sharing a container with other shipments. <img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-2.png" alt="" width="300px">Like primary packaging, secondary packaging is also
a critical component of the entire business cycle. It not only safeguards your
product, but it also protects your business brand and reputation. Hence, it is
necessary to make secondary packaging an integral part of your product offering
and work towards finding new, innovative, safe, and cost effective packaging
solutions. 






After your goods are packaged, marked, and labelled properly,
it is our responsibility to get them delivered to the final destination. All
you need to do is <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/signup">sign up</a> on
Cogoport and share the shipment details, we’ll manage the rest!

Secondary Packaging in International Shipping

Secondary Packaging: Importance, Types & Best Practices for Exporters

Indian
taxation system is undergoing a reform phase. With GST the government aims to
bring the country under a single tax system, simplify the rules for
implementation, payment and collection of tax, curb tax evasion, and streamline movement of goods within the country. The e-way
bill is an effort to monitor and smoothen movement of goods under the GST regime.
It is an electronic way bill required for transportation of goods worth
more than INR 50,000 (single invoice, bill, delivery challan) in the same transport
vehicle by a registered trader or transporter. The e-way bill can be generated
via the e-Way Bill Portal. Once an e-way
bill is generated, a unique e-way bill number (EBN) is created for the invoice.
The EBN is available to the seller, the buyer, and the transporter assigned to
transport the consignment.<img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 1.png" alt="" width="300px">Initially
planned to be rolled out in February’18, the e-way bill had to be put on hold
due to technical glitches in the system. The rules laid down for the e-way bill
had also raised some concerns in the industry and logistics sector. To address
the concerns of the trade and road transporters the Central
Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) released amendments to the draft policy on 7th
March 2018. Some of the changes in the rules in the e-way bill notification
released on 7th March 2018 are: 1. 
An e-way bill will not be required for
transport of a consignment interstate if the value of the consignment is less
than INR 50,000.2. 
For intra-state, a transporter is not
required to generate an e-way bill if the value of an individual consignment is
less than INR 50,000 even if the overall value of all the consignments in the vehicle
is more than INR 50,000.3. 
An e-way bill will not be required for
transport of goods up to a distance of 50 Km.4. 
Validity period of the e-way bill
is set to 72 hours from generation or till goods delivered.5. 
For generation of e-way bill, only the
value of taxable goods will be taken into account.6. 
An e-way bill will not be required for transit
goods from or to Nepal and Bhutan.7. 
An e-way bill is made mandatory for the
inter-state movement of goods between job worker and principal even if the
value of goods transported is less than INR 5o,000. An e-way bill can be
generated by either party.8. 
An e-way bill is also made mandatory
for inter-state transport of handicraft goods by a trader who is exempted from
registering for GST.9. 
Transporters will require permission from
the supplier to generate Part-A of the e-way bill.

Read the
complete CBEC notification released on 7th March, 2018, <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/blogs/amendments-to-eway-bill">here</a>.Revised dates for roll out of the e-way bill were announced in the 26th GST
Council Meet on 10th March 18. The Council has proposed rollout of
inter-state e-way bill from 1st April 2018, and 15th
April for the rollout of the intra-state e-way bill. The intra-state e-way bill
will be rolled out in phases, list of states and the e-way bill applicable
dates will be announced by the CBEC.

e-Way Bill Update: CBEC Amends e-Way Bill Rules

Eway Bill Amendment: What Exporters & Importers Need to Know

With the increasing population, food production demand also increases. Agricultural packaging helps farmers and the exporters to deliver food in the handiest approach without any loss.


Packaging prevents unnecessary waste post-harvest and during the processes of production, storage and transportation. It ensures short and long-term stability between the farmers and consumers.
<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 3.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a><ul><li>
Packaging for agricultural export business:
The packaging is rising an essential element for your export operation, impacting the safety, cost, communication and even marketing of your agricultural products. Agricultural packaging has gained immense popularity across the world. According to Statista, the global agricultural packaging market is expected to reach [$5.02 billion by the end of 2023](https://www.statista.com/statistics/916723/global-agricultural-packaging-market/). If you want your agricultural products to reach different horizons across the world, you should consider the features, importance and benefits of packaging.

- Safety of agricultural products
 
- Accurate handling instructions 
</li><li>
Importance of packaging in the export business:&nbsp;From the contractual point of view, you are responsible for the packaging of agricultural products such that it withstands the transportation process. If the packaging is damaged in the port of destination, then the handling of the cargo is not considered responsible.

Responsibility of seller: According to the new edition of [Incoterms 2010](https://iccwbo.org/resources-for-business/incoterms-rules/incoterms-rules-2010/), the seller will be responsible for any damage happened to the products during the journey. 
</li><li>
Security of goods: 
The primary purpose of the agricultural packaging is not limited to protecting the cargo during the international logistic process. The packaging is also an essential element of the product’s marketing, as it conveys a strong image of the company in front of the consumers. 
</li><li>
Cost saving:
Packing affects the cost of your products. The packaging must adapt to the cargo units deployed to optimize the use of trucks, containers and the other form of transportation. 
</li><li>
Storage and organization: 
Packages end up taking more space when not compatible with pallets and thus, waste up to 20% of the container’s space, adding 40% extra cost to in the price of your product.</li></ul><a href="https://cogoport.com/signup/en-IN/?utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-3.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a><ul><li> 
Handling information: 
The packaging is also essential in terms of the instructions and other handling information. How the carrier, individual and the cargo handle the products will rely on the knowledge of the packaging. The information on the boxes, help the transporters to stack the boxes. The boxes could be stacked upside down, damaging the products when there is no instruction on the packaging. 
</li><li>
Packaging and labelling functions:

In accord with the importance of packaging, the packaging must have these functions to facilitate the transportation process without any hindrance:

- Protect your cargo during international logistics
 
- Communicate your brand with the consumers
 
- Your essential constitutional element of marketing
 
- Reflects your customer’s cultural value
 
- Instruct carriers how the package should be stacked or handled</li></ul>How does packaging boost your agricultural exports?

You should consider the below fundamentals to boost up their exports across the world.
1. Protection of goods:
For agricultural goods, protection of products is necessary, and as the exporter, you have to select the right packaging material to prevent damage. You can request samples to test the packing materials and packaging. The packaging should withstand the transportation process.

The means of transportation also plays a vital part in packaging as you have to select the material based on the transport used and the distance covered by the transportation company. It is necessary to use different kinds of material to target different markets.

2. Business communication:&nbsp;The packaging is something that communicates the product’s features to its buyers, making it the essential marketing tool for exporters. For agricultural products, you can instruct the consumers about the ingredient or can even warn them about the allergies.

Before initiating the export operation, preferences of the consumers in the target market should be assessed to ensure that the package meets the consumer’s expectations.

 3. Indicating the size of the package:&nbsp;The agricultural packaging and its material must be optimized to maximize the use of cargo units. The packaging should be designed in a way that a maximum number of packages fit in each box. The size of the boxes should be considered for pallet use.

EUR-Pallet is the most commonly used pallet across the world, which measures 1,200mm X 800mm X 144mm, which is approximate to 47.2inches X 31.5 inches X 5.7 inches. With these dimensions, the exporters can ensure maximum utilization of the space. It would help if you considered these calculations before packing your agricultural products.<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 1.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>
4. Information for handling:&nbsp;The package must indicate how it is handled. The agricultural exporter must mention how the product should be processed on the boxes. They can print indications along with the symbol like “this side up,” maximum stacking height,” handle with care” and many others.

All these indications should be listed outside the packages so that the carrier can transport them without damaging the products. Besides, it would help if you also considered other indications which are mandatory in your company’s product include precautions regarding the exposure to sunlight, damp and extreme temperatures.

5. Reflects your customer’s cultural values:
The information on the packaging should reflect your customer’s cultural values. No matter where does your customer resides, you should consider the local language and other aspects of the information.

In Turkey and Austria, green is well-accepted colour, while in China, red and yellow is accepted because of the royalty in its culture. You should conduct proper cultural analysis before designing your package to ensure and enhance the cultural values of your potential customers.

## What does this ultimately mean?

A right package can not only protect your shipments but also foster sales and increase the perception of value among your customers. Thus, packaging an important aspect which cannot be ignored to boost up the agricultural export across the world.

How Packaging Can Boost Agricultural Exports

How Packaging Boosts Agricultural Exports: Safety, Cost Savings & Market Impact

Finagle’s Law,
a popular version of Murphy’s Law, which says that “Anything that can go
wrong, will”, is probably the best way to explain the importance and
necessity of freight and cargo insurance. A few recent examples
of accidents or incidents which resulted in huge cargo or marine claims are:<ul><li>The&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Tianjin_explosions" style="letter-spacing: -0.02em; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Tanjin Port explosion</a>&nbsp;(2015) caused due to hazardous cargo could result in a loss of USD 6
billion. </li><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/sep/02/hanjin-shipping-bankruptcy-causes-turmoil-in-global-sea-freight" style="letter-spacing: -0.02em; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Bankruptcy declaration of Hanjin Shipping</a> in September 2016 resulted in
huge cargo claims. </li></ul>Natural
calamities like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes also form a major
part of marine claims.While all
transportation and allied service providers aim to provide safe transport of
goods from one place to another, the possibility of damage, loss, or delay
still remains. Damage or loss to cargo can be either due to natural causes or due to
breakdown of or accidents on the transportation vehicle (train, truck,
airplane, ship).A good cargo
insurance, to an extent, helps protect the shipper against all the things that
can possibly go wrong during transportation. It helps minimise risks and losses due to accidents, natural calamities, and damages during transportation.
It works as a shipper's lifeline till the goods reach the designated destination
and are handed over to the specified recipient as per the Bill of Lading.<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 3.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>Of course, this
protection comes at a cost and only if the shippers have acted in good faith and
have been prudent!However,
choosing a marine insurance cover is easier said than done. There are quite a
few combinations to choose from and too much fine print to read and understand. But, if a shipper keeps the following points in mind, then it becomes slightly
easier to choose a good cargo insurance policy.Sale
Agreement:&nbsp;The sale agreement plays a major part in deciding which party to the
sale is in charge of getting the cargo insured. In sale agreements where the
seller is responsible only for paying for the cost and freight (C&amp;F) or if he is responsible only for transporting the
cargo till the port of loading (FOB), then the onus of getting the cargo insured lies
with the importer/buyer. In cases where the sale agreement is cost, insurance,
and freight (CIF), then the responsibility of getting the marine
insurance cover rests with the exporter/seller.This point is
important as it determines which party to the transaction will be responsible for
arranging the insurance cover and how the claim process will be handled in case
of any damage or loss. Risks
Covered:&nbsp;The kind of risks and the extent of coverage is the one of the most
important points to consider when selecting a cargo insurance policy. The shipper should gauge the kind of risks that he may have to deal with and then
accordingly purchase an insurance policy that will help cover those risks. Frequency of
Trade:&nbsp;This is another aspect that can influence the choice of marine insurance
cover selected. If it is a one-time consignment, then the shipper can consider a
policy for that specific shipment only. If he has regular shipments, then he
can go for an open policy or an open cover.Arrangement
with Freight Forwarder:&nbsp;Though shippers are always advised to take
a policy for their own shipments, they can also check with their freight forwarder
for insurance cover options. Here, the coverage might be lower than what they would get if they bought their own cargo insurance policy, and
hence may not be sufficient to cover the losses in case a claim arises.Multi-modal
Transportation and Storage:&nbsp;If the transit requires multi-modal transportation,
then while choosing a cargo insurance policy, the shipper must also confirm and
check that the goods will be covered in all modes of transportation – rail, road,
air, and sea and while in storage during the transit time period.Assess Add-ons
Required:&nbsp;There are certain risks that may not form a part of the insurance policy
and may need to be covered separately. The party in charge of arranging for the
insurance cover must assess all the possible risks involved during transit and
the time in between with respect to location, transhipments, storage, and
political conditions of the countries involved in the trade. For example, if
one of the countries involved in the trade is going through riots or strikes
and the region falls on the route of the transportation – then it would be
prudent to get a cover against this specific problem. It may increase the
premium payable, but it will ensure that if the cargo suffers any damage due to
an unstable environment, the losses will be covered.<img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-2.png" alt="" width="300px">Once there is
clarity on the above points, and the shipper has all the required information,
he can select from one of the following policies (most common types of cargo
insurance available in India) to insure his cargo. Specific Voyage
Policy: This
policy covers only one specific shipment. It is applicable only till the time
the shipment reaches the specified destination. As mentioned earlier, it is
ideal for shippers who do not export/import goods regularly.Open
Cover:&nbsp;Generally, a yearly cover is offered by the insurer to the shipper with
an understanding that the insurer will provide marine insurance (separate
policies) to both import and export shipments. Under this cover, a separate policy
for each consignment is created and a premium is collected for that specific
shipment.Open
Policy:&nbsp;This insurance policy is not applicable for international
transportation. It can only be taken by shippers who are transporting goods
within the country. It is generally an annual policy and covers movement of
cargo declared during the policy period.Annual
Policy:&nbsp;This type of policy is applicable only for goods being stored or shipped
from a specific place and where the title of goods belongs to the shipper (exporter/importer) who has taken the policy.While insurance
provides a safety net for the shipment, it comes with a set of rules that need
to be followed. If there is any instance of negligence from the insured, then
the insurance policy can be declared to be void.Shippers need to keep the following points in mind to get maximum benefit from their
insurance policies:<ul><li>Provide the correct details of the shipment with respect
to weight (net and gross), number of packages, nature (perishable, hazardous or
dangerous cargo). </li><li>Provide the correct details of the final destination and
the end recipient of the cargo. </li><li>Insure that the packaging of the cargo has been done
keeping trade guidelines and safety of the product in mind. </li><li>Insure that all the required labels and markings have
been put on the package. </li><li>Insure that all additional handling instructions have
been provided to the carrier and its agents. </li><li>Any other information that may have an effect on the
insurer’s decision to insure the cargo and give the insurer’s ability to
understand the kind of and extent of risk they are undertaking by insuring the
cargo. </li></ul>It is important to note that all
marine insurance claims are verified with the information provided at the time
of taking the cargo insurance.

Cargo Insurance: A Safety Net For Sailing

Cargo Insurance: Why It’s Essential for International Shipping

The B2B marketplace is perceived&nbsp;tech-&nbsp;phobic&nbsp;which means&nbsp;anything&nbsp;that&nbsp;smells&nbsp;automated to&nbsp;the user&nbsp;cannot be&nbsp;simple.&nbsp;The&nbsp;fight is on, to&nbsp;prove&nbsp;that it is&nbsp;but&nbsp;very&nbsp;simple. It&nbsp;just needs&nbsp;to be&nbsp;addressed, that’s&nbsp;all. Technology need&nbsp;not be feared, it does add only value.&nbsp;The buyer will save time and money and&nbsp;the seller will save on customer acquisition cost, where if a shipper wants rates and clearance, technology will give it all - value, in every service that is provided.&nbsp;How this new striker with a tech-enabled model can herald a movement is to make a statement and deliver a complete package in terms of the price discovery that can assure clarity, compliance to rules, speed, transparency, profitability and instantaneousness.&nbsp;A lot could be replaced by adding value through technology.Tech can be predictive, Tech can analyse.&nbsp;Said and done, pure tech play cannot change human nature. Herein lies the trick.&nbsp;Technology will need Humans.Solution: the tech driven model brings in the now-needed human touch.&nbsp;A hybrid platform which is not merely a portal, which can be an assisted process to transact the deal.&nbsp;Why hybrid?&nbsp;Because a full-fledged technologically sound platform may not quite be what the buyer may want to adopt immediately. Show the buyer a face, a voice that is capable of being the guide and give some comfort with the initial handholding- that is what technology will do...take it whole lot further.The idea is brilliant, so why wait till the concept gets tested?<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 2.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>Watch this space for more…. Next: “The Limit(lessness) of Technology”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Technology - The need for a human face to it

Technology and Human Need: Balancing Innovation in Logistics

After rolling out GST last year, Government of India introduced the&nbsp;e-way bill system&nbsp;in February 2018. While the initial endeavour to roll out the new tax collection method was not successful, it fared much better in the second attempt made in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs/eway-bill-amendment">April 2018</a>. By end of May 2018, the GST e-way bill system had been successfully implemented for inter-state movement of goods in 21 states and six Union Territories. After effective execution of the new process in interstate goods movement, starting June 2018, GST e-way bill rule has been implemented for intra-state movement of goods throughout the country. Why is the GST e-way bill so important? The e-way bill system is a part of the GST regime. This system has been created with the aim to systematize logistical movement of goods in the country, improve and increase tax collection, and in turn control tax evasion.<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 2.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>What is an e-way bill? The GST e-way bill is an electronic document that is required to be carried by the transporter when transporting goods worth more than INR 50,000 via a single bill/delivery challan/invoice. What are the other benefits of the e-way bill system?Apart from making the country’s tax structure efficient, it is also believed that GST e-way bill system will provide the following benefits to the trade:<ul><li>GST e-way bill generation system is digitized and easy-to-use. This means that traders (taxpayers)/transporters will no longer need to go to check posts to generate an e-way bill.</li><li>Waiting time at check posts is expected to reduce with the introduction of e-way bill. This will help reduce not only transit time but also better manage road congestion and improve turn-time of vehicles. Reduced transit time will also positively impact transportation costs.</li><li>GST e-way bill system has simplified documentation pertaining to movement of goods. Unlike earlier, where each state had different documentation demands, now the documentation required for movement of goods has been made uniform. </li><li>Along with digitization of e-way bill generation, even the transport vehicles have been equipped with RFID devices to facilitate easy check of e-way bills. This has reduced the burden on the transporter to carry the physical copies of the e-way bills. </li><li>GST e-way bill system has made it easy to verify and check transactions for tax purposes for both the taxpayers and the tax administration. </li></ul>When should an e-way bill be generated or issued? An e-way bill is required to be generated or issued when a consignment worth INR 50,000 is going to be transported via a single delivery challan/invoice/bill. This value can be the total of all goods transported in the vehicle or of the invoice of each shipment being transported in a vehicle.&nbsp;Such movement of goods can be due to reasons of supply of goods, return of goods, or purchase (inward supply) of goods.A GST e-way bill also needs to be compulsorily generated in the following scenarios:<ul><li>Movement of goods, even if the goods being transported are less than INR 50,000, for inter-state transfer by the Principal to a job-worker or registered job worker. </li><li>Inter-State transport of handicraft material by a trader who is exempted from GST registration. </li></ul>Are any goods exempt under the e-way bill generation rule?The movement of the following goods does not require an e-way bill:<ul><li>Perishable goods – fruits, vegetables, meat, milk and milk products </li><li>Silver and gold jewellery </li><li>Raw silk </li><li>Handlooms </li><li>Wool </li><li>Cooking gas cylinders </li></ul>Who is required to generate an e-way bill?A registered person (trader, seller, buyer, consignor, consignee, transporter) is required to generate an e-way bill. An unregistered person also has to register on the e-way bill generation portal. However, an unregistered user is exempt from generating an e-way bill only if he is supplying goods to a registered person. In such a scenario, the registered person will be responsible for generating an e-way bill.<a href="https://cogoport.com/signup/en-IN/?utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-3.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>Is an e-way bill required in all movement of goods?No, there are some exceptions where an e-way bill is not required. For example, an e-way bill is not required for:<ul><li>Movement of goods under customs seal or direction </li><li>When movement of goods is via a non-motor vehicle form of transport </li><li>Transportation of goods under customs bond from ICD to port or one custom check point to another </li><li>Transit cargo from Nepal or Bhutan to India </li><li>Empty containers used for transporting cargo </li><li>Shipments/goods transported from customs port, air cargo station/complex, airport, customs check post to ICD or CFS for customs clearance process </li><li>Rail transportation of goods by State Government, Central Government, or any local authorities </li><li>Goods exempt under the GST e-way bill rule by the respective State/Union Territory </li><li>Movement of goods for/due to defence requirements with Ministry of Defence&nbsp;listed either as a receiver or a sender </li><li>Seller, sender, consignor of goods transporting goods to or from his place of business to weighbridge for the purpose of weighing the cargo within a distance of 20kms. A delivery challan should be sent along with this kind of cargo movement. </li><li>Movement of goods listed under annexure to rule 138(14), goods considered as “no supply” according to Schedule III, and specified Schedules of the Central Tax Rate notifications. </li></ul>From where and how to generate an e-way bill?It’s simple! To generate an e-way bill all you need to do is register on the e-Way Bill System&nbsp;portal. Does an e-way bill have a validity period? What is the validity period?Yes, e-way bills have a validity period. It is based on the distance that the goods are transported. The validity period starts from the date and time of generation of an e-way bill.<img src="https://prod-cogoport.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/db01c10668c07284b931d80701357e66/eway%20bill%20new%20slide.jpg" alt="e-way bill" class="center" width=""> <img>What are the documents required for generating an e-way bill?The following documents are required for generating an e-way bill:<ul><li>For transportation by road the transporter ID or vehicle number is required </li><li>For transportation by rail, air, or sea, the transporter ID, transport document number, and the date of the document is required </li><li>Bill of Supply, challan, or invoice pertaining to the goods being transported </li></ul>For more information on the GST E-way Bill system, processes, and how to generate an E-way Bill visit&nbsp;Goods and Services Tax e-Way Bill System&nbsp;Portal.&nbsp;

E-Way Bill Update: All About GST System

Everything You Need to Know About Eway Bill: Rules, Process & Compliance

One of the questions we get a lot at Cogoport is what the difference is between Cogoport and regular or digital freight forwarders. You can book a container shipment at a freight forwarder as well, right?Well technically, yes, you can. But there are a LOT of differences. I’m happy to take you through some of them.<h2>All Suppliers vs. Preferred Suppliers</h2>Freight forwarders may have contracts with certain carriers, which can result in the fact that they will favor these carriers. They have a direct commercial interest in which carrier you choose.If you use the Cogoport platform you can book shipments with all carriers on the platform. Cogoport has no contracts that would cause us to promote a certain carrier. We present you with all the options and the choice is yours. We empower customers to make their own free choice.<h2>Specified Rates vs. All-in Rates</h2>Freight forwarders often give you all-in rates. You get a price for your shipment without really knowing what you are paying for.If you use the Cogoport platform you get a full and transparent breakdown of all the cost involved in your shipment. All charges to you are clear and specified. Our promise to you is: no surprises. There are never any additional charges for any reason after the shipment is booked. What you see is what you get.<h2>Full price comparison vs. Ocean freight price comparison</h2>Freight forwarders often let shippers choose between different ocean freight rates. The total landed cost of each shipment, however, can be very different.If you use the Cogoport platform you not only get the ocean freight rate but also complete insight into all other related costs, whether they are at the port of origin or the port of destination. That way you can base your decision on the total landed cost. Not only port-to-port but door-to-door if you want.<h2>Pro-active vs. Reactive Notifications</h2>Booking a shipment at a freight forwarder usually involves many phone calls and emails. The same goes for tracking your shipment.If you use the Cogoport platform you get full visibility for all your shipments. For each shipment, there is a clear overview of all the milestones and it’s easy to find a detailed track and trace information if you need it. You will also get an instant notification if there is an issue with one of your shipments. You can have peace of mind and use your time to focus on other matters. As long as you don’t hear from us everything is fine.<h2>The 4 main differences between digital freight marketplace Cogoport and a freight forwarder</h2><ol><li>An unbiased overview of all available carriers</li><li>Specified rates. What you see is what you get.</li><li>Choosing a carrier based on total landed cost.</li><li>Peace of mind. Pro-active notifications if a shipment needs your attention</li></ol>

Difference Between Freight Forwarder and Cogoport

Freight Forwarder vs Cogoport: Key Differences & Advantages for Shippers

Speculation over the Brexit effects grows as the saga is nowhere near finding a conclusion. People all across the globe anxiously wait for the terms of separation of the United Kingdom from the European Union to see how it affects their businesses.&nbsp;In 2016, the people of the UK voted to leave the EU in a move to set their own trading rules and control a range of issues such as the movement of labour, agricultural policy and tariffs. Three years on the terms of the divorce are still being debated and the implications for the shipping industry remain unclear.We’ll try to help by summarising a few possibilities - but don’t blame us if we get it wrong as things seem to change daily!Crucially the separation process was intended to have two parts. The initial exit - or Brexit - was the stage when formally the UK left the EU. Subsequently, the EU and the UK need to agree to the terms of their future relationship.However, agreeing terms of the exit still hasn't happened and it looks as if the UK is heading towards a ‘hard Brexit’ on 31 October with a mass of uncertainty and disruption.WTO tariff rules apply to trade between the UK and EU.Before the split, as part of the same customs union, no tariffs were applied to intra EU trade. However, the divorce can lead to both European Union countries and the UK trading under WTO rules which come with tariffs and regulations. If no alternative to applying WTO trade rules is found, businesses and consumers in the UK will likely face price increases and find exports to the rest of Europe become unattractive.New border, new rulesThe situation of the customs regulations after the split is still uncertain. Before, custom checks only applied on goods entering the EU; once inside, they crossed borders mostly without additional checks or paperwork. However, clarity has yet to be provided about the procedures for goods moving in and out of the UK.Doubts have also risen on whether trucks from the UK will continue to move freely in Europe or would they require fresh permits. More importantly, there is also no clarity as to whether the UK will still apply EU standards and regulations covering goods or would the newly separated country develop its own. The impact of UK-only rules would mean that goods produced for that market might be barred from sale in the EU.Another place where a problem of customs checks could be encountered is the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Currently, goods move freely within the island of Ireland but Brexit could mean the return of a border with customs checks between the Republic and Northern Ireland which is part of Great Britain.&nbsp;There are significant political and historical implications to the reimposition of a hard land border and this has proved to be one of the biggest sticking points in the negotiations between the UK and the EU.&nbsp;Whatever the outcome in Ireland, border checks elsewhere between the UK and the rest of the EU may result in considerable delays. Presently, according to to the London School of Economics, it takes roughly two minutes for EU countries to clear their goods at the port of the UK. Fuller checks post-Brexit effects could take much longer and the main ports lack the infrastructure to cope with large backlogs of goods awaiting clearance. Significant delays are possible.Increased transportation and labour costsShipping charges from the UK and EU countries can increase. And so can the costs for the trucking services. Britain may face a shortage of drivers as 10% of their commercial drivers are migrants from the union countries. If a substantial proportion of the labour force is lost there will implications for the cost and availability of freight services. Additionally, UK companies had the luxury of EU maritime cabotage rights while they were a part of the union. This meant that they had the rights for water-based transportation within a territory. The separation can also see these rights been revoked.It is still uncertain whether the UK will separate from the European Union with a deal or without it. Hopes that the separation could be achieved with some agreement over the terms governing customs and regulations (the so-called ‘Soft Brexit)’ are fading fast. A no-deal Brexit where the UK overnight becomes a stand-alone country without an understanding about its relationship with the largest trading bloc on Earth is likely to be chaotic.Check out Cogoport’s <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/blogs" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">blog</a> to get more on the latest update of Brexit now!* The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

Unseen Effects of Brexit on the Shipping Industry

Brexit Effects on Shipping Industry: Challenges, Opportunities & Adaptation

The shipping industry is undergoing a technology revolution. This age-old industry which, till the last decade, was hesitant to harness new technology, has now taken up all-round modernization with a vengeance.Today, globally, the industry as a whole is exploring and implementing new technology in all spheres of the trade. Ports, ships, systems and processes, and allied services are all getting a technological facelift. The industry’s efforts to digitize are also being aided by startups that are creating tech solutions specially for it. Technologies like Robotics, AI, machine learning, internet of things, blockchain, drones, and augmented reality are being harnessed to create a safer, efficient, and more productive environment to carry out export and import trade.While there are many changes that are happening in the world of shipping – and all are important, here are some that have captured our interest:Robotic Technology: Robots have infiltrated almost every industry in some way or the other. Now, they have turned their tech-eye on the shipping industry. Research institutes and companies in the automobile, transport, tech sector are collaborating to build robots that can aid in ship management, safety, servicing, and inspection.Among these, SAFFiR – Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot, being developed by the US Navy Research Lab in collaboration with Virginia Tech, has caught our interest. And, for a good reason too.&nbsp;Fires on ships can cause huge damage to human life, environment, and the cargo on board. For example in the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/shipping-/-transport/fire-on-container-ship-under-control-no-word-on-missing-crew/articleshow/63237662.cms">fire</a> on Maersk Honam, four crew members have been reported missing and insurers are&nbsp;estimating a loss of millions of dollars in claims from the vessel carrying more than 15,000 TEUs.While accidents on sea cannot be completely avoided, loss of human lives and cargo can be, to a certain extent, mitigated by fire fighting robots that are designed to take charge in such situations. SAFFiR which is currently being built for US Naval Ships would be a great addition to cargo and passenger ships as well.<iframe width=" 480" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K4OtS534oYU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" style="letter-spacing: 0.01rem;"></iframe>&nbsp;Hyperloop Transport System:&nbsp;Hyperloop, an idea conceptualized by Elon Musk, is a transport system that is designed to carry people or cargo from one destination to another via a tube at a speed more than 700 mph. Along with the rest of the world, this technology has also caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis. In February 2018, they&nbsp;signed an agreement with Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group and the chairman of Virgin Hyperloop One, to develop a hyperloop route between central Pune, New Pune International Airport, JNPT Port and Pune’s economic and industrial zones. The Hyperloop One will help facilitate quick transportation of palletized cargo and lightweight cargo between the port and industrial zones in Pune. According to&nbsp;<a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/mumbai-pune-virgin-hyperloop-one-project-everything-you-need-to-know-5069402/">reports</a>, the proposed hyperloop will provide benefits like reducing accidents, socio economic, savings in time and operational cost worth USD 55 billion over a time period of 30 years. It will also help reduce greenhouse gas emission by approximately 86,000 tons/year, and lessen the traffic load on the connecting expressway. In addition to all these benefits, as Virgin Hyperloop One said on the occasion of the launch, the hyperloop will cut down lead times and help build a leaner and more efficient supply chain.<iframe width=" 480" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OBuVkQIy7eU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" style="letter-spacing: 0.01rem;"></iframe>&nbsp;Smart Ships: We have smart gadgets, smart homes, and smart cities, then why should ships be left behind?&nbsp;Ships are set to become smart, tech-savvy, and autonomous soon. In fact, the first smart vessel Yara Birkeland&nbsp;is planned to be launched this year. It is predicted to become fully autonomous by 2020.Automated ships will add a technological edge to the shipping industry by improving efficiency, productivity, and carrying capacity. Since these ships will be remotely managed, the fear of loss of lives of crew members at sea will be eliminated and in a way it will also change the profession.<iframe width=" 480" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5VBD7hVRhx0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" style="letter-spacing: 0.01rem;"></iframe>&nbsp;Blockchain Technology: The blockchain technology is now no longer limited to bitcoins. It is being explored by various industries to manage, transfer, and store data in a safe and secure manner. Shipping is also among the industries exploring technology to add efficiency to processes and integrate the supply chain from start to end. The system based on blockchain technology will make it easy to transfer data and track cargo in real-time till it reaches the final destination.Augmented Reality: AR is another technology that can add immense value to the shipping industry. It can optimize cargo planning, aid maintenance and inspection, navigation, connect global teams, and also help in creating awareness about the industry which is not easily accessible to people not connected to it. For example, very rarely does a person not in the industry get to visit a container ship or for that matter the port. AR can make it possible to provide outsiders with a view of the industry. Port360, a virtual tour of the Port of Rotterdam, is one such example of this technology being used for connecting with businesses and also educating people not connected to the world of shipping about the port and how it operates.<img src="https://prod-cogoport.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/0faa2f99f63fb9e86c4735679a43cb79/BotlekPernis_2.jpg" alt="Port of Rotterdam" class="center" width="" style="letter-spacing: 0.01rem;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Image source: Port of Rotterdam.&nbsp;Click&nbsp;here to take the tourThese innovations are just the tip of the iceberg. Shipping is changing and the speed at which technology solutions are being created for the industry, it would not be wrong to term this period as a rebirth of one of the world’s oldest industries. And, we’re proud to be a part of the technology revolution that is transforming the shipping industry.

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