Transshipment Bill Apostille and Attestation
Apostille and embassy attestation for copies of customs transshipment bills and related transit documents from India, when an authority or business abroad needs proof of how goods moved through Indian ports.
Transshipment bill apostille: quick answer
In short, Transshipment bill apostille is the MEA’s apostille on your transshipment bill, recognised in every Hague Convention country. As the MEA requires for commercial papers, the transshipment 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 Transshipment bill attestation: Chamber of Commerce attestation, MEA attestation and then the embassy stamp.
We arrange Transshipment bill attestation in India from start to finish for businesses in every State. Share a photo of the transshipment bill on WhatsApp with the country name, and we confirm the route and price in writing.
Why a transshipment bill needs apostille or attestation
When goods arriving at one Indian port or airport are moved on to another port, or onward to another country, without being cleared for home use, Customs records the movement on a transshipment document. Logistics companies, freight forwarders and traders keep these as proof of the route the cargo took.
A legalised copy is needed only in specific situations: an overseas buyer or authority investigating the origin or route of goods, insurance or transport claims, or a dispute in which the transit through India has to be proved. The certified copy is then apostilled for Hague countries or attested by the MEA and the embassy for others.
Proof of route
Showing how cargo moved through India.
Claims
Insurance and transport claims abroad.
Logistics companies
Forwarders documenting transit cargo.
Investigations
Origin checks by foreign authorities.
Transshipment bill apostille: step-by-step process
Pick the column that matches the country where the transshipment bill will be presented.
Apostille for Hague Convention countries
- 1Notary (where needed)Where required, a notary attests the transshipment 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
- 1NotaryNotarisation where required.
- 2Chamber of CommerceChamber of Commerce attestation.
- 3MEA attestationMEA attestation stamp.
- 4Embassy legalisationLegalisation by the embassy of the destination country.
Non-Hague countries
Documents required for Transshipment bill attestation
- Copy of the transshipment document issued or accepted by Customs, certified by the customs broker or carrier and signed by the company
- Related bill of lading or airway bill, if the receiving party needs it too
- Company authorisation letter, signed and stamped
- Signatory’s passport or ID copy
- Where and why the document will be used
Transshipment bill apostille charges and time
| Government fee at the MEA | ₹50 for each apostilled document |
|---|---|
| Chamber of Commerce attestation | As charged by the chamber |
| Our service charge for a transshipment bill | Written quote, per document |
| Embassy route (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait…) | Embassy fees differ by country |
| Courier and time | Courier extra; expected date stated in the quote |
Plan exactly how many legalised copies your buyer or the foreign authority needs, because each copy is charged separately. More on our commercial document apostille page.
Tips before sending your transshipment bill
- Ask the receiving authority exactly which transit document it wants; names differ between ports and between sea and air cargo.
- Use a copy that shows the customs reference and date; uncertified printouts are not accepted.
- Combine it with the bill of lading or airway bill if the claim relies on both.
Official links for transshipment bill apostille and attestation
These are the official sources behind the process described on this page:
FAQs: Transshipment bill apostille and attestation
How do I get a transshipment bill apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs?
Three things happen: notarisation if the document needs it, Chamber of Commerce attestation and the MEA apostille. You only send us the original transshipment bill; we manage the rest and return it stamped.
What are the charges for Transshipment 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.
What is a transshipment bill?
It is the customs document used when goods are moved through India without being cleared for local use, for example from one port to another or onward to another country.
What documents are required for Transshipment bill attestation?
We need the original transshipment 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 Transshipment bill attestation for the UAE, Qatar or Kuwait?
For these non-Hague countries the transshipment bill is attested by the Chamber of Commerce, then by the MEA, and finally legalised by the embassy of the destination country. For the UAE, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs adds a final stamp inside the UAE.
Can a copy of a transshipment document be apostilled?
Yes, if it is certified and signed. It is notarised where needed, attested by the chamber and then apostilled or attested by the MEA.
How long does Transshipment bill apostille take?
It varies with the chamber, the MEA and the embassy if one is involved. We tell you the expected date before you courier the transshipment bill and message you as each stamp is done.
Apostille or attestation: which one does my transshipment 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.
Who usually needs a legalised transshipment bill?
Freight forwarders, traders and insurers dealing with claims, disputes or origin checks abroad.
Is INFINITYGRO genuine, and does someone from the company need to visit Delhi for the transshipment 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 transshipment bill is couriered to our office or dropped off. Call or WhatsApp +91-8595558517.
Send your transshipment bill for apostille or attestation
WhatsApp a photo of the transshipment bill and tell us the destination country. You get the route, the documents list and a written quote before you courier anything.
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.