How to Check Air IGM Tracking, Enquiry & Status

Air Import General Manifest (Air IGM) is a legally important document filed by airlines or representatives that acknowledge authorities about the impending arrival of an air cargo shipment. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) facilitates various electronic services for exporters and importers via the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE).

In this blog, we will walk you through the Air IGM (Import General Manifest)—explain why it is important and how to track Air IGM Status online, and guide you through addressing Common Issues with simple information to help you stay updated on your air shipment.

What is Air IGM?

Air IGM stands for Import General Manifest. It is a legal document that airline authority or their agents must file with Indian Customs, and is crucial for international air cargo shipments before the plane carrying cargo lands in India.

Why Air IGM Matters in Air Cargo Logistics?

In air cargo logistics, Air IGM is important because it lists every item being transported on the plane. Before deciding if a flight can enter the country, customs and authorities rely on the Air IGM to see its contents. As a result, they can confirm that the package is free from taxes and duties and safe to go through.

The following are the reasons why Air IGM Matters in Air Cargo Logistics:

• Provides detailed cargo information.
• Maintains legal procedures.
• Improves safety and security.
• Speeds up clearance.
• Supports smooth air cargo shipments.

Air IGM Enquiry: What It Is and When You Need It

An Air IGM enquiry is about reviewing the information related to an arriving or already arrived air shipment. This enquiry is usually done online by entering basic shipment information, including flight details. An Air IGM enquiry will let you know if your goods have been shown in the Import General Manifest and if customs clearance has happened yet or not.

The following are the reasons for the exact reason you need to make an Air IGM enquiry when you want to:

• To check that your shipment has arrived in India.
• To make sure customs have given the shipment clearance.
• To check the current status of the shipment.
• To ensure that there’s a need to take any action before your goods are cleared.

The Air IGM enquiry helps you check that your goods are moving through the air shipment system as you planned.

How to Track Air IGM Status Online?

Exporters can track their Air IGM status online through ICEGATE. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you in tracking your Air IGM on ICEGATE: Here's how you can do it step by step:

Step 1: Visit the official ICEGATE website and navigate to “Tracking at ICES.”
Step 2: Select the Air IGM tracking option and Select ‘Air IGM Enquiry’
Step 3: Enter the required details for tracking:

• Location
• AWB Number

Step 4: Check the Air IGM status
Step 5: Take care of challenges if you find them.

Using Air IGM Status online lets you view information quickly, so you don’t need to go to the customs office or call multiple times.

Air IGM Status: What the Updates Mean?

Air IGM status updates provide tracking of where your shipment is at every stage.

A shipment that shows an “IGM Filed” status has been submitted by the airline to customs.

When goods are marked “Under Customs Clearance,” officers are checking your paperwork and the goods you sent.

There can be a status of “Pending” or “On Hold” that tells you that you need to send a document or make a payment before the check progresses. 
Whenever your shipping status is “Out of Charge (OOC),” it is good news; your package is now ready for collection.

A status showing “Delivered” means your goods are with you or your agent.

Occasionally, you will see “No Record” or “Not Found” because the IGM has not been submitted or because you entered the ID incorrectly.

Common Issues in Air IGM and How to Handle Them?

Air IGM sometimes has problems that can delay your delivery.

The  Common difficulties and their solutions are included here:

1. Incorrect Details: An Air Waybill can be refused by customs if the number or details about the shipment are mistaken or left out. If you face this issue, contact the customs agent to correct and re-file the details quickly.

2. Time Bound for IGM Has Expired: If the airline delays the IGM, your goods won’t be accepted into customs. If this issue occurs, it will be beneficial to reach out to the airline authorities to confirm the IGM is handled correctly.

3. Order hasn’t Been Processed: In rare cases, tracking systems won’t show your cargo.But if this problem occurs, you can reach the airline or wait to see if it updates on its own.

4. Your Cargo Cannot Currently Be Called By Customs: A hold on shipment by customs may be just for an inspection or because documents are missing.
If this issue occurs, please contact the customs authority to check the need and take care of the necessary paperwork or inspection.

5. Still waiting for the Status Update : There is a chance the tracking shows a status from the past, even if the shipment is already in motion.
If this issue occurs, you shouldn’t panic. It’s best to wait a bit or talk with your shipping partner for the latest info.

Conclusion

Air IGM (Import General Manifest) status is important for smooth importing. When the airline files the IGM on the ICEGATE portal, it shows details about the goods being shipped. Importers can track their shipment using the flight and airline details. This helps them get real-time updates, avoid delays, and clear goods faster through customs. For complete end-to-end export support and hassle-free Export GST Refund service, exporters can rely on the comprehensive tools and services offered by MYGST Refund, ensuring smooth compliance and faster claim processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Air IGM and Sea IGM?
Shipments coming by air are processed with Air IGM, while goods coming by sea are processed with Sea IGM.

2. How long does it take to update the Air IGM status?
Updates to your IGM status are normally made available within hours of sending your application.

3. Can I track Air IGM without a CHA?
You can use your Air Waybill number to either enquire about or track the status of your shipment on the official sites. However, if you encounter issues or lose documents, having a CHA (Customs House Agent) there will speed up the process and remove any confusion.

4. What should I do if my cargo is missing from the IGM?
 If your shipment does not appear, check the AWB number first. If it matches, right away notify your airline or freight forwarder. In some cases, they must either redo the IGM or fix mistakes in it. If necessary, you can communicate with the CHA (Customs House Agent) as well.

5. Is manual enquiry still required with digital systems?
It is usually not required now to ask for manual sources in verification. You can use digital gateways to check your Air IGM inquiry and watch the status update instantaneously.