Integrated Legal representation before Customs, DGFT, DG Shipping, CESTAT, NCLT & MSME Authorities
I. Integrated Legal Expertise & Solutions Across Maritime, Shipping, Logistics & Multimodal Transport, Combined with International Trade, EXIM Compliance, and High-Stakes Regulatory & Corporate Litigation before Customs, DGFT, DG Shipping, CESTAT, NCLT & MSME Authorities
D & N Maritime Shipping Law Associates delivers a uniquely integrated legal service platform designed to address the legal, regulatory, and operational complexities that arise across the global supply chain. Our practice sits at the intersection of maritime commerce, port operations, multimodal logistics, international trade compliance, and corporate regulation, empowering clients to navigate both routine and high-stakes disputes with precision and strategic foresight.
The sectors we serve operate in environments where delays of even a few hours can disrupt multi million-dollar supply chains. A single deficiency—whether in customs documentation, DGFT licensing, DG Shipping compliance, vessel scheduling, CFS/ICD handling, or road/rail multimodal movement—can trigger penalties, demurrage exposures, port-block situations, bank LC complications, or total supply-chain breakdowns. Our holistic approach ensures that clients benefit from complete legal coverage from the point of cargo origin to final delivery, and at every regulatory forum in between.
We combine statutory precision with deep industry experience, recognising that modern trade disputes require more than academic legal knowledge—they demand practical insight into shipping line SOPs, container flows, transshipment realities, port functioning, customs risk layers, DGFT licensing cycles, commercial contracts, MSME recovery processes, and insolvency implications.
A. Comprehensive Maritime, Shipping & Port Law Advisory
Our maritime services extend far beyond traditional legal drafting. We understand the real-world functioning of the maritime sector—from vessel stowage planning, hatch operations, and stevedore practices, to navigational constraints, weather-driven deviations, and port readiness protocols. This operational insight enables us to deliver legal solutions that align with shipping industry realities.
We assist clients with sophisticated disputes involving charter party clauses (Shelltime, Gencon, NYPE, Baltime), off-hire calculations, bunker disputes, dead freight, and laytime/demurrage assessments using industry standards and BIMCO guidelines. Our cargo claim practice includes contamination, moisture damage, reefer breakdowns, short shipment, delayed delivery, and wrong delivery—each requiring coordinated review of BL clauses, survey reports, port logs, reefer temperature charts, and stowage plans.
We handle vessel arrest proceedings under the Admiralty Act, 2017, representing claimants in enforcing maritime liens, and defending shipowners through security arrangements, P&I guarantees, and release applications. Our port-related work includes disputes with terminal operators, CFS/ICDs, port authorities, berth operators, and private terminals regarding charges, handling issues, container disputes, and EIR discrepancies.
We also draft and negotiate Bills of Lading, Sea Waybills, agency agreements, linear contracts, and slot charter agreements, ensuring risk allocation aligns with multimodal movement patterns and evolving global shipping norms.
B. Customs Compliance, Enforcement & CESTAT Appellate Advocacy
Our Customs practice covers the complete chain of import/export compliance—from classification and valuation at the Bill of Entry stage to high-level litigation before Commissioner (Appeals) and CESTAT.
We assist clients facing disputes involving HSN/CTH misclassification, misdeclaration, undervaluation, overvaluation, brand valuation disputes, related-party SVB issues, FTA origin certificate challenges, and policy-linked exemptions. Each case is supported by detailed statutory analysis, including Interpretative Rules, section notes, chapter notes, and WCO Explanatory Notes, along with engineering specifications and technical literature where required.
We also manage operational customs concerns such as:
- RMS examination and system holds
- E-Sanchit documentation logic
- ICEGATE errors & EDI failures
- IGM corrections & BL alignment
- Provisional assessment procedures
- Short-landing certificates & carrier liability
- IGST refund blocks (SB005, SB006, mismatch errors)
- Port demurrage, detention, and container charges
- Bonded warehouse disputes, warehousing extension, re-warehousing issues
Our appellate advocacy involves drafting meticulously structured replies to submissions, written arguments, stay applications, cross-objections, and appeal memoranda, supported by precedents from CESTAT, High Courts, and the Supreme Court, ensuring a rigorous and compelling legal approach.
C. DGFT Licensing, Export Incentive Schemes & Policy Interpretation
Our DGFT practice supports businesses throughout the entire lifecycle of export obligation and incentive management. We assist with compliance under EPCG, Advance Authorisation, DFIA, MEIS, SEIS, RoDTEP, and RoSCTL schemes, providing guidance on planning, utilisation, redemption, and dispute resolution.
We handle cases involving:
- Non-fulfillment or delayed fulfillment of export obligations
- Incorrect or overlapping HSN/ITC-HS codes.
- Invalid e-BRC or misreported bank realisation data
- Shipping bill conversion (scheme to non-scheme and vice versa)
- SION norm inconsistencies in manufacturing
- Block extension, EO extension, and policy-based relaxations.
- Penalty proceedings under Section 11(2) FTDR Act
- DEEC book reconciliation and installation certificate disputes
Our submissions before RLAs and DGFT HQ are evidence-driven and policy-backed, supported by FTP provisions, HBP procedures, trade notices, and past committee decisions. We also advise businesses on proactively ensuring compliance to avoid punitive actions such as IEC suspension, risk tagging, and penalty imposition.
D. Corporate, Insolvency & NCLT Litigation for Trade-Driven Businesses
Our corporate and insolvency practice is uniquely tailored for companies operating in import-intensive, export-driven, or logistics-dependent sectors, where financial disputes directly influence supply-chain continuity.
We represent stakeholders in:
- CIRP filings under Sections 7/9/10
- Claims before IRP/RP (Form B, C, F, financial and operational claims)
- CoC voting, objections, and restructuring discussions.
- Transactional audit challenges (preferential, undervalued, fraudulent)
- Oppression & Mismanagement litigation (241–242)
- Shareholder/director disputes
- AGM/EGM validity challenges
- Schemes of merger/demerger under Sections 230–232
Our litigation strategy ensures that all submissions are backed by detailed financial analysis, email evidence, contract trails, ledger confirmations, and commercial history—enhancing outcomes before NCLT.
E. MSME Statutory Recovery, Arbitration & Execution Proceedings
We provide complete recovery support under the MSMED Act, 2006, a powerful statutory mechanism for recovering outstanding payments along with interest at three times the RBI bank rate.
Our MSME process includes:
- Filing MSME Samadhaan claims
- Conducting conciliation proceedings
- Pursuing statutory arbitration
- Securing binding awards
- Executing awards before civil courts
- Using IBC Section 9 for escalation in suitable matters
We prepare comprehensive evidence bundles containing invoices, LR/GR documents, delivery confirmation, e-way bills, GST filings, bank reconciliation statements, and communication trails.
F. Multimodal Transport (MTO) & DG Shipping Regulatory Compliance
Our MTO and DG Shipping practice covers compliance, licensing, operational documentation, and liability disputes connected to multimodal transport chains involving sea, road, rail, and air carriage.
We assist with:
- MTO registration & renewal under MMTG Act
- Compliance with liability insurance requirements
- Drafting Multimodal Transport Documents (MTDs) compliant with DG Shipping norms
- Handling DG Shipping show-cause notices (SCN) and audit replies
- Resolving multimodal claims arising from transit damage, pilferage, warehouse losses, route deviation, and delivery delays
Our understanding of multimodal operational realities—IHC (Inland Haulage Charges), CY–CY, CFS–CFS, ICD-to-port bonded movements, reefer monitoring, customs escort, container repositioning, and carrier liability cycles—gives our clients a unique strategic advantage in dispute resolution.
II. STRATEGIC ADVISORY FOR GLOBAL SHIPPING & LOGISTICS ECOSYSTEMS
The global shipping and logistics ecosystem functions across multiple layers of carrier operations, container repositioning, port protocols, inland movement chains, regulatory oversight, and commercial risk variables. Each participant — from shipping lines and NVOCCs to CFS/ICDs, CHAs, freight forwarders, transporters, and port authorities — operates within a highly synchronised environment where delays or non-compliance at any one point can create ripple effects across the entire supply chain.
Our firm provides strategic advisory, dispute management, contract structuring, operational risk mitigation, and regulatory interface services for all stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sector. We support clients in aligning commercial operations with statutory obligations across Customs, DGFT, DG Shipping, port statutes, multimodal rules, warehouse regulations, inland transportation norms, and international carriage conventions.
A. Global & Regional Shipping Ecosystems (Lines, NVOCCs, Agents)
We act for shipping lines, regional shipping agents, and NVOCCs engaged in containerised transport, slot-chartering, co-loading arrangements, transshipment operations, vessel scheduling, and freight collection activities.
Our services include:
- BL (MBL/HBL) interpretation and drafting
- Slot agreements, co-loader contracts, agency agreements
- Cargo release disputes (delivery without BL, forged BL, LOI issues)
- Reefer cargo temperature analysis and claims
- Container damage, repair, abandonment and detention claims
- Voyage account disputes and freight collection
- Compliance with SCMTR, carriage of goods laws, and port health regulations
We understand the operational nuances of vessel rotation, stowage plans, container x-ray scanning, manifest filing, EDI integration, and customs-coastal routing, enabling us to offer legal solutions grounded in operational logic.
B. Freight Forwarding, CHA Operations & Consolidation Networks
Freight forwarders and CHAs operate in some of the most documentation-intensive segments of the supply chain, where even small discrepancies can trigger penalties, assessments, or shipment delays.
We assist with:
- HBL/MBL inconsistencies
- Documentation errors (packing lists, invoices, cargo descriptions)
- SCMTR & manifest compliance
- CBLR (Customs Broker Licensing Regulations) disputes
- Penalties for misdeclaration or procedural lapses
- Delivery order/endorsement disputes
- Multimodal documentation and liability allocation
Our expertise extends into freight station operations, CFS clearances, risk-based examination protocols, and bonded trucking movement, providing full legal support across all customs and logistics touchpoints.
C. CFS/ICD Terminals, Warehousing & Cold-Chain Infrastructure
We support CFS/ICD custodians and warehouse operators in disputes involving cargo custodial liability, port storage charges, delay in destuffing, damage during handling, and misdelivery under customs custody.
We handle matters related to:
- CFS/ICD agreements with shipping lines and custodians
- Customs warehousing (bonding, re-warehousing, de-bonding)
- Damage claims and operational losses
- Reefer yard monitoring & temperature-excursion disputes
- Port dwell time, container movement scheduling & EIR disputes
- Evacuation of long-standing cargo, abandoned containers & auction processes
Our team understands actual CFS/ICD functioning — yard planning, CCTV review, EIR generation, destuffing operations, container lifting, rail siding movement, and gate-in/gate-out protocols, enabling accurate liability assessments.
D. Port Terminals, Stevedoring Companies & Maritime Service Providers
Port terminals and stevedoring companies face daily disputes involving cargo handling practices, vessel operation delays, yard utilisation, draft restrictions, and shore-side equipment failures.
We advise on:
- Stevedoring liability under SOF, tally sheets & hatch logs
- Port charges, berth hire, wharfage and operational dues
- Terminal handling charges & contractual disputes
- Claims relating to vessel berthing delays
- Damages from equipment failures (cranes, forklifts, reach stackers)
- Disputes involving private terminals and PPP operators
- Marine service agreements, pilotage and towage services
Our understanding of port functioning, including berth allocation systems, tide-based movement, under-keel clearance protocols, and terminal automation processes, allows us to offer accurate, industry-specific legal solutions.
E. Transport, Inland Haulage & Intermodal Movement Operators
We support transporters, fleet owners, and multimodal inland operators (road/rail/ICD movements) in disputes involving transit damage, pilferage, over-dimensional cargo (ODC) movement, route deviation, consignee refusal, warehouse shortages, and GPS-based tracking discrepancies.
We handle:
- Claims under the Carriers Act, 1865
- Transit liability allocation in multimodal chains
- Overweight penalties & regulatory non-compliance
- Disputes involving bonded trucking (port–ICD–factory routes)
- Rail movement and rake scheduling liabilities
- Transport documentation (LR, GR, Challans, E-way bills)
We also advise on contract structuring for 3PL/4PL logistics providers, including warehouse-transport synergies and risk allocation frameworks.
F. Marine Insurers, P&I Clubs & Independent Survey Agencies
We regularly interface with domestic and international P&I Clubs, marine underwriters, cargo insurers, and survey agencies in matters involving:
- Pre-loading and discharge surveys
- Joint and final surveys
- Damage, contamination or shortage assessments
- Salvage, wreck removal and GA contribution claims
- Subrogation actions
- Non-payment of freight and lien enforcement
We leverage survey reports, tally sheets, hatch logs, reefer downloads, and yard CCTV recordings to reconstruct factual matrices and build robust liability positions.
III. EXIM-DRIVEN INDUSTRIES & COMMERCIAL SEGMENTS
International trade is the backbone of India’s manufacturing and commercial activity. Every importer, exporter, trading house, or supply-chain participant operates in an environment dictated by global market cycles, logistics constraints, foreign exchange exposures, customs regulations, DGFT obligations, port handling delays, and transportation risks.
D & N Maritime Shipping Law Associates provides comprehensive legal and procedural support to industries whose businesses depend on timely cargo movement, accurate documentation, policy compliance, and robust contractual protections.
EXIM-linked industries often face challenges that arise not due to legal errors but because of factors such as supplier defaults, container shortages, shipping line delay, port congestion, customs intervention, DGFT documentation gaps, LC mismatches, and international regulatory requirements. Our practice is structured to solve these issues through precise legal strategies aligned with operational and commercial constraints.
A. Manufacturing & Industrial Supply Chains (Capital Goods, Machinery, Metals)
Manufacturers depend on timely import of raw materials, machinery, and components to maintain production cycles. Any delay in clearance — whether due to valuation objections, classification disputes, FTA certificate scrutiny, or port handling delays — directly affects production, output commitments, and financial forecasting.
We support manufacturers engaged in industries such as:
- Capital goods & heavy machinery
- Electrical equipment & instrumentation
- Industrial raw materials: polymers, steel, alloy, copper, aluminium
- Automobile components & engineering tools
- Industrial chemicals and specialty chemicals
Common issues we handle:
- Interpretation of Exemption Notifications
- Machinery classification under Chapters 84, 85, 90
- EPCG import compliance and installation certificate disputes
- Differential duty demands due to valuation objections
- Plant shutdown scenarios caused by customs delays
- Port storage and demurrage disputes affecting high-tonnage cargo
We also advise on procurement contracts, Incoterms, LC structures, and quality-related disputes with overseas suppliers.
B. Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare Products & Controlled Logistics
The pharmaceutical and healthcare industry is governed by stringent import/export standards related to temperature sensitivity, sterility, quality control, labelling, and regulatory approvals.
We support clients involved in:
- APIs and bulk drugs
- Medical devices and diagnostic equipment
- Surgical consumables and hospital supplies
- Formulations and value-added pharma products
- Cold-chain dependent medical shipments
These imports and exports frequently face:
- Reefer cargo disputes (temperature variations, power outages, reefer setting issues)
- Customs objections regarding drug-category classification, HSN linkage, and licensing requirements
- DGFT issues in SION norms for pharma inputs
- Documentation lapses affecting export obligations under EPCG/AA
- Delays in clearance of sensitive consignments leading to product degradation
We prepare technical submissions supported with COA, MSDS, temperature logs, stability reports, and pharma compliance norms.
C. Electronics, High-Value Components & Technology Hardware
These industries are particularly vulnerable to:
- Valuation disputes
- Intellectual property/brand value claims
- Misclassification concerns
- High duty rate categories
- SVB investigations
- IGST refund delays
We assist importers and distributors of:
- Mobile phone components
- Network equipment
- Servers, IT hardware, storage systems
- Consumer electronics
- PCB assemblies, semiconductors
- Security systems and smart devices
Our services include tariff evaluations, exemption eligibility reviews, documentation risk mitigation, and appellate advocacy in customs valuation disputes.
D. Agro Commodities, Food Processing & Perishables Export Chains
Time sensitivity is the defining feature of agro and perishables logistics. Delays in documentation, inspection, fumigation, or port handling can destroy entire shipments.
We support exporters and traders of:
- Fruits, vegetables, spices & herbs
- Pulses, grains & oilseeds
- Processed food products
- Frozen food, seafood, meat & poultry
- Dairy products & value-added agro goods
Common disputes include:
- Reefer container malfunction (temperature excursion)
- Phytosanitary certification issues
- Non-compliance with overseas market standards
- Shipping line delays and port congestions
- Penalties for rejection at the destination port
- Damage claims against CFS/ICD or transporter
We assist with coordinating survey reports, re-export permissions, claims against carriers, and dispute resolution across supply-chain nodes.
D. Agro Commodities, Food Processing & Perishables Export Chains
Time sensitivity is the defining feature of agro and perishables logistics. Delays in documentation, inspection, fumigation, or port handling can destroy entire shipments.
We support exporters and traders of:
- Fruits, vegetables, spices & herbs
- Pulses, grains & oilseeds
- Processed food products
- Frozen food, seafood, meat & poultry
- Dairy products & value-added agro goods
Common disputes include:
- Reefer container malfunction (temperature excursion)
- Phytosanitary certification issues
- Non-compliance with overseas market standards
- Shipping line delays and port congestions
- Penalties for rejection at the destination port
- Damage claims against CFS/ICD or transporter
We assist with coordinating survey reports, re-export permissions, claims against carriers, and dispute resolution across supply-chain nodes.
E. FMCG, Packaging, Retail Imports & White-Label Merchandise
FMCG and retail importers face demanding compliance requirements because most cargo is high-volume, time-sensitive, and value-sensitive.
We handle disputes and compliance issues involving:
- Consumer goods
- Household products
- Personal care items
- White-label merchandise
- Supermarket chain imports
- Apparel and lifestyle goods
- Toys and packaging materials
These industries face challenges such as:
- Brand valuation disputes
- Labelling and statutory declaration compliance
- FTA misuse allegations
- Port congestion delays leading to inventory losses
- Retail cycle disruption and contractual penalties
We also advise on import planning, risk mitigation, customs duty optimisation, and supplier contract structuring.
F. Trading Houses, Merchant Exporters & Global Commodity Flows
Trading houses operate in high-speed cycles where the margin of error is extremely small. Their risks include:
- Adverse market price fluctuations
- Quality disputes
- Kiln moisture & lab value discrepancies
- Delayed BL issuance
- Missed vessel connections
- Container shortages
- Payment and LC disputes
- DGFT compliance gaps
We assist merchant exporters, commodity traders, and brokers with:
- DGFT licensing strategy
- Export incentive claims
- Shipping bill amendments
- Buyer-side rejection disputes
- Insurance claims handling
- Contract drafting aligned with Incoterms
- Customs compliance for mixed cargo shipments
Our advisory helps safeguard trading operations from supply-chain interruptions and regulatory exposures.
IV. HIGH-RISK INDUSTRY PROFILES & REGULATORY HOTSPOTS
Certain industries attract significantly higher regulatory scrutiny due to the nature of their cargo, valuation sensitivity, safety requirements, documentation complexity, and elevated commercial risk. These categories often trigger enhanced assessment, detention, physical examination, laboratory testing, DRI intervention, and DGFT/Customs investigations.
Our firm provides targeted legal support for these high-risk sectors, ensuring that clients benefit from anticipatory compliance, robust documentation, and strong dispute-defence mechanisms.
These industries commonly face exposures across:
- Customs classification & valuation disputes
- DGFT policy misinterpretation
- SVB scrutiny (related-party pricing)
- Hazardous cargo norms & port safety requirements
- Phytosanitary & fumigation compliance
- Sampling/testing delays
- Rejection, re-export or destruction of cargo
- Claim disputes with carriers, surveyors, CFS/ICDs & terminals
Below are the major high-risk sectors where our firm provides specialised representation:
A. Chemical, Petrochemical & Hazardous Cargo Supply Chains
Chemical and petrochemical cargo — whether hazardous (DG cargo) or regular — is subject to stringent safety, handling, labelling, and customs regulations. Small lapses in documentation can trigger port safety objections, DG Cargo clearance delays, Customs red-line examination, or DRI inquiry.
We represent clients dealing with:
- Industrial chemicals
- Solvents & hydrocarbons
- Specialty chemicals & additives
- Paints, coatings & adhesives
- Lab chemicals & controlled substances
- Hazardous cargo regulated under IMDG/UN norms
Common disputes include:
- Misclassification of dangerous goods (UN codes, packing groups)
- Misdeclaration of chemical composition
- Lab test discrepancies (purity, concentration)
- DGFT issues relating to restricted chemicals
- Port/terminal rejections due to improper DG declaration
- Liability for contamination during handling
- Storage delays causing detention/demurrage escalation
We coordinate with port safety officers, DG cargo experts, surveyors, and customs labs to create strong defences and expedite clearance.
B. Heavy-Lift, ODC & EPC Project Cargo Movements
Project cargo and over-dimensional consignments (ODC/OWC) require meticulous planning and regulatory clearance. Delays are costly and often irreversible because they disrupt project timelines, EPC contracts, and on-site installation scheduling.
We support EPC contractors, project logistics providers and manufacturers dealing with:
- Turbines, generators, boilers & pressure vessels
- Industrial reactors and columns
- Transformers, heavy machinery & plant equipment
- Construction machines & infrastructure components
- Modular structures, fabrication units & process skids
Typical issues handled:
- Route surveys & transport permissions
- Customs dispute over classification of capital goods
- EPCG compliance & installation certification
- Overweight penalty disputes
- Port handling disputes (damages by crane/RTG)
- Transit insurance claims
- DG Shipping clearances for on-board/stowage safety
Our deep understanding of berth planning, stowage stability, lifting points, axle-load norms, and state transportation permits positions us to provide on-ground practical legal solutions.
C. Metals, Scrap, Plastics & Industrial Raw Materials
Scrap, metals and raw materials attract high scrutiny due to their susceptibility to misdeclaration, valuation variations, contamination, and origin fraud. Many consignments undergo 100% examination, and regulatory authorities are particularly strict with such categories.
We advise importers/exporters dealing in:
- Ferrous & non-ferrous metals
- Plastic scrap & regrind
- Rubber scrap
- Copper, aluminium & alloy scrap
- HMS, LMS & other recyclable metals
- Industrial intermediates and raw materials
Key disputes include:
- Customs duty enhancement & valuation objections
- Recycling and waste-management rule compliance
- Environmental/PESO clearance requirements
- Incorrect HSN classification
- Misdeclaration of grade (HMS 1/2, etc.)
- Laboratory testing delays
- Port auction risk due to non-clearance
We draft detailed replies supported with lab reports, industry specifications, ISRI norms, and international benchmarking to mitigate legal exposure.
D. Temperature-Sensitive Reefer Cargo & Cold-Chain Logistics
Reefer cargo is among the highest-risk categories due to the extreme sensitivity to handling, transit time, temperature controls, and power supply. A few hours of deviation can result in total loss of cargo.
We represent exporters & importers of:
- Fresh fruits & vegetables
- Frozen food & seafood
- Dairy products
- Meat & poultry
- Pharmaceuticals & biologicals
- Chemical products requiring controlled temperature
Common disputes:
- Reefer malfunction (unit failure/temperature variation)
- Power outage during yard/cold-storage handling
- Improper setting/operation of reefer containers
- Delay in connection/disconnection at terminals
- Surveyor disagreements and claim repudiations
- Phytosanitary issues at destination port
- Penalties due to delayed delivery or rejection
We work with surveyors, port terminals, reefer technicians, shipping lines and insurers to reconstruct precise temperature logs, enabling strong liability assessment.
E. Sensitive Valuation Categories & High-Duty Commodities
Certain commodities are treated as high-risk from a valuation and revenue perspective due to historical misuse by some traders. Customs therefore frequently questions:
- Brand value additions
- Transfer pricing
- Royalty/license fee inclusion
- Assist provisions
- MRP-linked valuation
- Packaging and re-packing operations
- FTA origin rules & certificate scrutiny
Industries that fall under this category include:
- Electronics & consumer durables
- Mobile phones & accessories
- Cosmetics & personal care
- Bikes, auto parts & accessories
- Branded garments, footwear & lifestyle products
- Toys & baby care products
Our firm has substantial experience handling SVB investigations, valuation enquiries, DRI scrutiny, FTA misuse allegations, and tariff disputes under Chapters 84, 85, 87, 90, and 94.
V. STAKEHOLDER NETWORK INTERFACE & REGULATORY COORDINATION
Modern maritime, logistics, and EXIM operations demand constant coordination with a wide spectrum of stakeholders — government authorities, regulatory bodies, port agencies, shipping lines, NVOCCs, transport operators, surveyors, terminals, warehouses, financial institutions, and trade associations.
Each of these stakeholders operates under distinct laws, procedures, and internal protocols, creating an environment where disputes cannot be resolved in isolation. A single regulatory issue may require simultaneous engagement with Customs, DGFT, DG Shipping, Port Authorities, and shipping service providers, each with its own documentation requirements, audit logic, and operational constraints.
D & N Maritime Shipping Law Associates is uniquely positioned to serve as the central coordinating force, interfacing with all authorities and commercial participants to provide a unified, end-to-end legal solution.
Our ability to merge documentation, compliance, regulatory negotiation, operational knowledge, and legal strategy places us at a distinct advantage when resolving multi-agency or multi-party disputes.
A. Customs, DRI, DGFT, DG Shipping & Port Authorities
These authorities form the regulatory backbone of India’s trade ecosystem. Each has its own jurisdiction and procedural framework, and often, disputes involve overlapping powers:
- Customs Authorities (Assessment, Appraisal, SIIB, Audit, RMS)
We interact daily with Customs officials across:
- Assessment & Appraisal Groups
- RMS Facilitation Centers
- SIIB Investigations
- Special Valuation Branch (SVB)
- Bond Sections
- Refund & Drawback Sections
- Customs Legal & Adjudication
- Port Preventive & Enforcement Teams
We address issues involving classification, valuation, FTA eligibility, sampling/testing, re-assessment, bonds, seizure/confiscation, amendments, and port clearance.
- Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
DRI matters require an elevated level of preparation because they deal with high-risk categories.
We represent clients during:
- Summons
- Investigation
- Search & seizure
- Statements
- SCN proceedings
- Evidence preparation
- Appeals
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
We coordinate on:
- EPCG / Advance Authorization compliance
- SION-related disputes
- EODC & installation certificate issues
- Shipping bill conversion
- Incentive/scrip irregularities
- IEC suspension/revocation
- Risky Exporter Tag removal
Our submissions are known for being technically strong, policy-supported, and documentation-driven.
- Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping)
We support clients with:
- MTO licensing
- Suspension/SCN replies
- Compliance audits & inspections
- Crew compliance (where relevant)
- Maritime service provider obligations
- Legal interpretation of MMTG rules
- Port Authorities & Maritime Boards
We engage with:
- APSEZ (Mundra, Hazira)
- JNPA
- Chennai Port
- Kolkata Port
- Cochin Port
- Gujarat Maritime Board
- Customs-PCA cells
- Port safety & DG cargo cells
Our interactions involve disputes over port dues, wharfage, handling charges, marine services, DPD/DSL, and long-standing cargo.
B. CESTAT, NCLT, MSME Facilitation Councils & Statutory Tribunals
Disputes in maritime and EXIM sectors often escalate into tribunal or judicial forums:
- CESTAT (Customs, Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal)
We file:
- Appeals
- Cross objections
- Stay applications
- ROM/ROA applications
- Detailed paper books
- Written submissions
Our experience covers valuation, classification, drawback, refund, penalty, confiscation, SVB, and FTP-linked cases.
- NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal)
We represent creditors, debtors, directors, and operational entities in:
- CIRP filings
- Claim verification
- Oppression & Mismanagement
- Contractual enforcement
- Resolution plan disputes
- MSME Facilitation Councils
We represent MSMEs throughout:
- Conciliation
- Arbitration
- Award execution
- Enforcement in civil courts
- Escalation through IBC
- Other Regulatory & Quasi-Judicial Bodies
We interface with:
- Port grievance cells
- GST/IGST refund authorities
- State logistics/transport authorities
- Pollution control boards (hazardous cargo)
- Weights & Measures departments (package imports)
C. Shipping Lines, NVOCC Operators & Freight Networks
As core players in the containerized movement ecosystem, these entities frequently face issues related to documentation, BL delivery, container liability, and freight recovery.
We interact with:
- Vessel owner & Charterer
- Vessel operators
- Slot owners
- Co-loaders
- Agency networks
- Liner offices
- Regional and hub offices
- Transshipment ports
We negotiate with them on:
- Detention/demurrage waivers
- Wrong delivery claims
- Container damage recovery
- Reefer cargo disputes
- Transshipment delays
- Carrier lien enforcement
- Release/endorsement issues
Our strong understanding of carrier guidelines, BL clauses, INCOTERMS, and service contracts ensures effective results.
D. Marine Insurers, P&I Clubs & Global Survey Organisations
Marine insurers play a crucial role in the maritime dispute resolution process.
We coordinate with:
- International P&I Clubs
- Hull & Machinery Underwriters
- Cargo Insurers
- Survey Agencies (Lloyds, SGS, ICS, EMCC, etc.)
We assist with:
- Survey scheduling
- Joint surveys
- Cargo damage quantification
- Subrogation claims
- GA (General Average) contributions
- Salvage & wreck claims
- Claim recovery litigation
The ability to interpret survey reports, tally sheets, hatch logs, reefer temperature logs, and port records helps us build technically sound litigation strategies.
E. Banks, Lenders, EPC Clients & Trade Finance Stakeholders
Financial institutions and project clients require legal guidance that aligns with international trade financing, LC mechanisms, export receivable structures, and project milestone obligations.
We assist with:
- LC discrepancies
- Documentation mismatches
- Export payment disputes
- Bank negotiation delays
- Trade finance structuring
- EPC contract compliance
- Performance-backed guarantees (PBGs)
- Cashflow impact management during disputes
We also coordinate with banks in cases involving IBC, MSME arbitration matters, and commercial contract disputes.
F. Industrial Bodies, Export Promotion Councils & Trade Associations
We regularly collaborate with:
- EEPC
- CHEMEXCIL
- TEXPROCIL
- APEDA
- GJEPC
- CAPEXIL
- FIEO
- Industry Chambers (CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM)
These interactions often involve:
- Policy representations
- Trade facilitation assistance
- Export incentive clarifications
- Government escalation for systemic issues
Supporting industry-wide concerns (e.g., port congestion, DGFT portal issues, customs ICEGATE downtime)
VI. CLIENT GROUPS & BUSINESS ENTITIES WE SUPPORT
Our client base spans the entire spectrum of stakeholders operating within the maritime, logistics, EXIM, manufacturing, trade, and corporate ecosystems. These businesses rely on us not merely for legal representation, but for strategic guidance, regulatory intelligence, and commercially aligned solutions that protect their supply chains, financial exposures, and long-term business objectives.
We understand that every category of client has different priorities — some are focused on international logistics performance, others on DGFT licensing, some on Customs and DRI defence, and others on IBC/NCLT financial restructuring.
Our practice is designed to meet all these needs under one fully integrated legal platform, providing a seamless experience from advisory to execution.
Below are the major client segments we support.
A. Corporates Across Manufacturing, Logistics & International Trade
Large and mid-scale corporates engage us for end-to-end regulatory, commercial, and compliance support across customs, DGFT, DG Shipping, multimodal contracts, port operations, EPCG licensing, valuation disputes, and supply-chain arbitration.
We advise corporates dealing with:
- Engineering goods, machinery & capital equipment
- Petchem & chemical manufacturing
- Textiles, garments & apparel
- Pharma, healthcare & medical devices
- Electronics & consumer durables
- Building materials, tiles & laminates
- Packaging, plastics & industrial raw materials
- Automotive components & allied engineering industries
Corporate engagements often involve:
- Ongoing regulatory risk management
- Compliance audits (Customs, DGFT, DG Shipping)
- Contract structuring with global suppliers
- Supply-chain disputes across multiple jurisdictions
- Port-level interventions
- Valuation & SVB issues for related-party imports
- High-value NCLT or MSME recovery litigations
Our strength lies in aligning legal strategy with operational continuity, ensuring that corporate clients do not suffer commercial disruption.
B. MSMEs & Emerging Businesses Engaged in Supply-Chain Commerce
Micro, small and medium enterprises form a critical segment of India’s EXIM economy, and they face recurring challenges relating to payment delays, port handling issues, customs procedures, and contractual enforcement.
We provide MSMEs with:
- End-to-end support under MSMED Act, 2006
- Preparation and filing of Form I applications
- Representation during conciliation and arbitration
- Execution of statutory awards before Courts
- Escalation to IBC Section 9 for payment defaults
- Contract drafting for suppliers, buyers, transporters, and service providers
MSMEs also rely on us for:
- DGFT documentation for EPCG/AA compliance
- Customs valuation and classification clarifications
- Logistics liability disputes (transport/warehouse/CFS)
- Raising disputes with shipping lines over detention/demurrage
- Managing LC disputes and payment clarifications with banks
We act as outsourced legal partners for MSMEs needing fast, commercially practical solutions.
C. Directors, Promoters, Shareholders & Key Decision Makers
In many disputes, the personal and operational liabilities of company officers become intertwined with corporate issues. We represent directors, promoters and shareholders in cases involving:
- DRI and SIIB investigations
- Summons by Customs, GST or DGFT
- Personal liability allegations in customs infractions
- Director/shareholder conflicts before NCLT
- Oppression & mismanagement (Sections 241–242)
- Removal/appointment of directors
- Share transfer disputes & voting rights litigation
- Compliance under Companies Act, 2013
- Representation before IRP/RP during CIRP
We ensure that business leaders receive strategic advisory to protect their personal exposure while securing the company’s operational continuity.
D. Maritime Operators, Transporters & Logistics Service Providers
We support entities responsible for moving cargo across sea, road, rail, air, and multimodal chains, including:
- Vessel / Ship Owner, Operator, Manager & Charterer
- Ship / Vessel Agent
- Shipping lines & NVOCCs
- Shipping Agent
- Shipping Agency
- Freight forwarders & consolidators
- CHA (Custom House Agents)
- Transporters & trucking fleets
- Rail logistics operators
- CFS/ICD custodians
- Warehouse operators
- Cold chain service providers
- 3PL/4PL logistics networks
- MTOs (Multimodal Transport Operators)
These clients depend on us for:
- Port clearances & regulatory intervention
- BL/HBL/MBL documentation disputes
- Demurrage, detention & container liability
- Reefer cargo failures & temperature disputes
- Transit damage & pilferage
- Wrong-delivery & misdelivery claims
- Customs & DRI investigations
- DG Shipping licensing & MTO compliance
- Court & arbitration representation
We bring a rare combination of legal expertise and operational understanding that allows us to reconstruct supply-chain events, assign liability accurately, and defend client positions effectively.
E. E-Commerce Importers, Retail Chains & Cross-Border Sellers
The e-commerce sector — especially businesses importing small parcels, consumer goods, electronics, fashion items, and cross-border sellable merchandise — faces frequent issues caused by high-volume, multi-supplier imports and strict compliance requirements.
We support them in:
- Courier regulations & express cargo clearance
- Valuation disputes for bulk consignments
- Policy compliance for consumer goods
- Labelling & declaration disputes under Legal Metrology
- Port congestion–driven demurrage issues
- High-value electronics scrutiny
- Packaging material imports under EPCG/AA
- Customs sampling & testing issues
- DGFT licensing (IEC issues, risk tagging)
Retail chains also seek our advisory on supplier contracts, import planning, and risk allocation under Incoterms for international sourcing.
F. Merchant Exporters, Commodity Traders, Brokers & Procurement Houses
Global trading businesses operate at high speed and require immediate legal interventions.
We support them in:
- Quality-related disputes (lab results, MC %, ISRI norms)
- Rejection at load/discharge ports
- Missed vessel connections
- BL issuance delays
- Contractual disputes with overseas buyers/sellers
- Force majeure & delay event handling
- DGFT documentation for export incentives
- Port-level emergency interventions
- Cargo substitution, reworking & re-export permissions
Trading businesses engage us because they require fast decision-making, rapid documentation, and immediate escalation to prevent financial losses.
G. Marine Insurers, P&I Clubs & Surveyors
We act for both insurers and insured parties in resolving:
- Damage claims
- Shortage & pilferage
- Contamination & quality disputes
- Reefer malfunction losses
- GA contributions
- Salvage & wreck removal claims
- Subrogation actions
We coordinate surveys, gather evidence, handle cross-party communication, and prepare detailed claim submissions.
VII. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICAL REACH ACROSS PORTS, ICDs & STATUTORY TRIBUNALS
India’s maritime and EXIM supply chain operates through a complex network of major ports, private terminals, ICDs, CFSs, land-border stations, SEZs, and dry ports, each governed by distinct procedures and operational dynamics.
D & N Maritime Shipping Law Associates maintains an active and deep-rooted presence across all major trade corridors, enabling us to support clients wherever their cargo moves, wherever disputes arise, and wherever regulatory intervention is required.
Our geographical strength ensures that we can rapidly mobilize for port-level representation, customs intervention, survey coordination, adjudication representation, and real-time dispute management — a capability crucial in the maritime and logistics sector where timing determines financial exposure.
A. Western India – The Nerve Centre of India’s Container Trade
The West Coast accounts for more than 65% of India’s container movement, making it the epicentre of port activities and customs/detention disputes.
We maintain strong working presence at:
- Mundra Port (APSEZ) – India’s largest private container port
- Kandla/Deendayal Port – Major gateway for bulk, breakbulk & project cargo
- Hazira Port – Strategic hub for petrochemical & reefer cargo
- Pipavav Port – Key port for automotive, chemical, and reefer sectors
- Nhava Sheva/JNPT – India’s biggest container transshipment gateway
Our work includes:
- Customs examination coordination
- DG Cargo approvals
- CFS disputes
- Reefer troubleshooting
- Survey & joint inspection
- Port dues/berth issues
- Container release conflicts
- Detention/demurrage negotiations
This region is central to our litigation footprint, including representation before:
- CESTAT Ahmedabad
- NCLT Ahmedabad
- MSME Facilitation Councils (Gandhinagar & Surat)
- DGFT RLA Ahmedabad & Mumbai
- DG Shipping (Gandhidham & Mumbai HQ)
B. Western & Central ICD Corridors (North India Linkage)
Given India’s heavy inland manufacturing footprint, ICDs play a vital role in EXIM flows.
We provide active support at:
- ICD Tughlakabad (Delhi)
- ICD Dadri
- ICD Loni (Ghaziabad)
- ICD Sanand (Gujarat)
- ICD Khodiyar
- ICD Kanpur / Lucknow
- ICD Nagpur / Raipur
Our services here frequently involve:
- Bonded cargo disputes
- Movement of containers to/from ports
- Rail-head handling liability
- Multimodal re-routing issues
- Release of detained or abandoned cargo
- DGFT export incentive document corrections
- Coordination with CONCOR and private ICD operators
These corridors witness high levels of customs intervention, often involving valuation, classification, drawback, DGFT licence compliance, and audit-related matters.
C. Southern India – Manufacturing & Technology Export Belt
South India is a high-value zone for electronics, pharma, machinery and engineering goods.
We maintain an active presence in:
- Chennai Port & Kattupalli Port
- Cochin Port
- Kamarajar Port (Ennore)
- Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar Port)
Our work includes:
- DGFT EPCG/AA compliance for major manufacturers
- Electronics & tech-related customs disputes
- Reefer logistics issues for perishables
- CFS disputes & port handling issues
- DPD/DSL-related conflicts
Tribunal engagements include:
- NCLT Chennai
- CESTAT Chennai
- DGFT RLA (Chennai)
- MSME Facilitation Council (Chennai & Kochi)
D. Eastern & North-Eastern India – Bulk, Steel, Project Cargo & LCL Hubs
We support clients across:
- Kolkata Port
- Haldia Port
- Paradip Port
- Visakhapatnam Port
Our engagements often relate to:
- Bulk cargo disputes (coal, iron ore, metals)
- Damage during port handling
- Survey coordination (pre-load & discharge)
- Heavy-lift and ODC movements
- Inland riverine transport challenges
- Long-standing cargo management
We represent clients at:
- CESTAT Kolkata & CESTAT Hyderabad
- NCLT Kolkata
- DGFT RLA Kolkata
- State MSME Councils
E. Mumbai Region – India’s Regulatory Command Centre
Many high-stakes regulatory matters originate in Mumbai because it houses:
- DGFT Headquarters
- DG Shipping Headquarters
- DRI Zonal Headquarters
- CESTAT Principal Bench
- NCLT Mumbai (IBC High-Stake Forum)
We routinely represent clients before these authorities for:
- Policy relaxation applications
- Show-cause replies
- Licensing matters
- MTO compliance
- DRI investigations
- Customs appeals
- International shipping disputes
- P&I Club coordination
Our presence in Mumbai provides clients with immediate access to India’s highest regulatory authorities for trade & maritime law.
F. National-Level Multimodal Coverage — Road, Rail, Sea & Air Logistics
Beyond ports and ICDs, our network covers:
- Air cargo complexes (Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai)
- Land Customs Stations (Indo–Nepal, Indo–Bangladesh routes)
- Bonded warehouses & FTWZs
- Multimodal hubs (road–rail–sea integration points)
We assist with:
- Import/export via air freight
- Courier mode (express cargo)
- E-commerce cross-border logistics
- CFS-to-airport transshipment
- Multimodal documentation (MTD, LRN, PTD)
This broad geographic capability allows us to build litigation, compliance, and risk strategies that are aligned with the entire cargo journey, regardless of origin or destination.
G. Rapid Deployment Capability for On-Ground Intervention
Port and customs issues often require immediate physical presence, especially in:
- Reefer breakdown disputes
- Short landing/mislanding issues
- Cargo survey participation
- Customs seizure
- Goods examination (first/second check)
- CFS destuffing oversight
- Release of urgent or perishable consignments
Our team is trained to mobilise swiftly, ensuring your cargo does not suffer from avoidable delay, demurrage, or detention.