India/Pakistan – Indian prohibition on Pakistani origin cargo

London P&I notes the Government of India directive prohibiting cargo originating in or exported from Pakistan, following the escalation in the conflict between India and Pakistan concerning the Kashmir region.

We also share guidance from GAC, the correspondent in India, on questions raised after the DGFT circular.

The guidance addresses the following issues:

1. whether a vessel carrying cargo for discharge in Pakistan and Indian ports, or vice versa, will be allowed to berth in India or receive sailing clearance;
2. whether a vessel visiting India and then proceeding to Pakistan will be given port clearance;
3. whether a vessel arriving from Pakistan in ballast and then proceeding to India will be allowed to berth;
4. whether there are any restrictions on Pakistani crew onboard vessels calling at India.

According to the guidance, port clearance and berthing permissions are granted on a case by case basis by the customs authorities.

If recent vessels have been given permission, that should not be treated as a precedent for future cases. Based on the current situation, customs approvals continue to be considered individually.

London P&I advises members' agents to obtain prior confirmation and permission from customs.

On the question of Pakistani crew, the guidance states that, to date, there are no restrictions or guidelines received from the Indian authorities. It also says there are no guidelines imposing restrictions on the employment of Pakistani crew members on vessels calling at Indian ports.

However, crew change and sign on/off restrictions for Pakistani crew members remain in place at Indian ports, as before. No new notification has been issued in this respect in recent times.

If Assureds require any further assistance, they should liaise with their usual Club contact.

For reference, the DGFT circular is available here.