Shipping Bill Apostille and Attestation
MEA apostille and embassy attestation for copies of Indian customs shipping bills, when an overseas buyer, tender committee, bank or court needs official proof that goods were exported from India.
Shipping bill apostille: quick answer
In short, Shipping bill apostille is the MEA’s apostille on your shipping bill, recognised in every Hague Convention country. As the MEA requires for commercial papers, the shipping bill is first attested by a Chamber of Commerce, and then the MEA apostilles it (₹50 government fee per document).
For the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and other non-Hague countries the apostille is not accepted. There you need Shipping bill attestation: Chamber of Commerce attestation, MEA attestation and then the embassy stamp.
We arrange Shipping bill attestation in India from start to finish for businesses in every State. Share a photo of the shipping bill on WhatsApp with the country name, and we confirm the route and price in writing.
Why a shipping bill needs apostille or attestation
The shipping bill is the export declaration filed with Indian Customs, mostly electronically through ICEGATE by the exporter or customs broker. Once Customs grants the let export order, the shipping bill becomes the official record that the goods left India, and exporters use it for duty drawback, GST refunds and proof of export.
Abroad, a shipping bill is asked for when someone needs government-level proof of export: overseas tenders that want evidence of past supplies, buyers or banks in a payment dispute, or authorities checking the origin and route of goods. A copy printed and certified for the purpose is legalised by apostille for Hague countries or by MEA attestation and embassy legalisation for others.
Overseas tenders
Proof of earlier exports of similar goods.
Payment disputes
Evidence of shipment for claims abroad.
Banks and insurers
Export proof beyond the bill of lading.
Audits abroad
Group companies checking exports from India.
Shipping bill apostille: step-by-step process
Choose the route by the country where the shipping bill will be used.
Apostille for Hague Convention countries
- 1Notary (where needed)Where required, a notary attests the shipping bill first.
- 2Chamber of CommerceChamber of Commerce attestation, as the MEA requires for commercial papers.
- 3MEA apostilleThe MEA fixes the apostille sticker (₹50 government fee per document).
Hague Convention countries
Full member list: HCCH Apostille Convention status table
Attestation for the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and other non-Hague countries
- 1NotarySame first step as the apostille.
- 2Chamber of CommerceSame Chamber of Commerce step.
- 3MEA attestationMEA attestation instead of the apostille sticker.
- 4Embassy legalisationEmbassy stamp for the country where the shipping bill will be used.
Non-Hague countries
Documents required for Shipping bill attestation
- Copy of the shipping bill with the let export order, printed from ICEGATE or provided by your customs broker, signed and stamped by the exporter
- Matching commercial invoice and bill of lading, if the receiving party wants the set
- Authorisation letter on company letterhead (we send the format)
- ID or passport copy of the authorised signatory
- The destination country and the buyer or authority it is for
Shipping bill apostille charges and time
| Apostille fee charged by the MEA | ₹50 per document |
|---|---|
| Normal MEA attestation | No government fee |
| Chamber and service charges | Quoted together, in writing, before you send |
| Embassy legalisation | Varies with the embassy |
| Courier and time | Courier extra; expected date given with the quote |
Each shipping bill is a separate document for the chamber and the MEA. An export set of invoice, packing list and certificate of origin counts as three. More on our commercial document apostille page.
Tips before sending your shipping bill
- Use the final shipping bill copy that shows the let export order; a draft or checklist copy is not suitable.
- Keep the shipping bill number and date consistent with the invoice and bill of lading.
- Tell us if the document is for a tender; tender committees sometimes specify the exact form of legalisation.
Official links for shipping bill apostille and attestation
Before you decide, it helps to read the official pages yourself. These are the ones that matter for a shipping bill:
FAQs: Shipping bill apostille and attestation
How do I get a shipping bill apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs?
The shipping bill is notarised where required and then authenticated by a recognised Chamber of Commerce. After that the MEA checks the chamber’s attestation and fixes the apostille. Courier the original to us and we handle each stage.
What are the charges for Shipping bill apostille?
The cost has three parts: the MEA’s ₹50 government fee per document, the Chamber of Commerce fee and our service charge. Courier both ways is separate. You get one written quote covering all of it.
Can an electronically filed shipping bill be apostilled?
Yes. A printed copy of the electronic shipping bill, certified and signed by the exporter or customs broker, can be notarised, attested by the chamber and then apostilled or attested by the MEA.
What documents are required for Shipping bill attestation?
We need the original shipping bill with the company seal and signature, an authorisation letter from the company and an ID copy of the authorised person. Please also tell us where and why the document will be used.
What is the process for Shipping bill attestation for the UAE, Qatar or Kuwait?
The UAE, Qatar and Kuwait do not accept the apostille, so the shipping bill is attested in stages: the Chamber of Commerce, the MEA and finally the embassy of the country concerned. In the UAE, the foreign ministry adds one more stamp locally.
Is a shipping bill the same as a bill of lading?
No. The shipping bill is the customs export declaration filed in India; the bill of lading is issued by the shipping line as a receipt and contract of carriage. They are often legalised together.
How long does Shipping bill apostille take?
An apostille is quicker than embassy attestation because there is no embassy queue. The exact time depends on the chamber and MEA workload; your quote gives an expected date.
Apostille or attestation: which one does my shipping bill need?
Look at the destination. A Hague Convention member (for example Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Italy or Japan) accepts the apostille. The UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and China need attestation and the embassy stamp.
Why would an overseas tender ask for a legalised shipping bill?
Tender committees use it as government proof that you have actually exported similar goods from India, not just issued invoices.
Is INFINITYGRO genuine, and does someone from the company need to visit Delhi for the shipping bill?
INFINITYGRO is a document facilitation agency in New Ashok Nagar, Delhi, working with exporters and companies across India. We give a written quote, explain each stamp and return originals by tracked courier, with WhatsApp updates at every stage. Nobody needs to visit; we do not offer pickup, so the shipping bill is couriered to our office or dropped off. Call or WhatsApp +91-8595558517.
Send your shipping bill for apostille or attestation
Share a photo of your shipping bill on WhatsApp with the country name. We reply with the correct route, what to send and the price in writing.
Office: C – 5 A/2 New Ashok Nagar, Delhi – 110096 · Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Apostille for other commercial documents
Disclaimer: INFINITYGRO is a private document facilitation service, not a government authority. Apostilles are issued only by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and embassy legalisation is done by the respective embassies. Procedures and fees change from time to time; please confirm current rules with the receiving authority.