Is ScafIndia a licensed customs broker and AEO-certified company?

Updated

Yes. According to its own website, ScafIndia Pvt Ltd operates as a Licensed Customs Broker for both air and sea shipments, and states that it has been certified by AEO (India Custom Services) for clearing and forwarding services. The site also claims 47 years of experience in the field and an award as "Best Forwarder in Nhava Sheva" for six consecutive years between 1992 and 1997.

These are self-reported credentials from the company's website, so treat them as the company's stated qualifications rather than independently verified facts.

What the credentials mean

Licensed Customs Broker

A licensed customs broker is authorised to handle customs clearance formalities on behalf of importers and exporters — filing bills of entry, classifying goods, and coordinating release of shipments with customs authorities. ScafIndia's site lists this licence for both air and sea cargo, which matters if you ship by either mode.

AEO certification

AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) is a status granted under India's customs framework to businesses that meet specified compliance and security standards. ScafIndia states it has held AEO certification for its clearing and forwarding work. In practice, AEO status is often relevant to importers and exporters because it can affect how smoothly and predictably cargo moves through customs, though the exact benefits depend on the programme tier and the counterparty's own status.

Track record claims

  • 47 years in clearing and forwarding, per the site.
  • "Best Forwarder in Nhava Sheva" for six consecutive years, 1992–1997.
  • Founder Mr. K. Tirumalai (Mani) began working in logistics in 1972.

Services listed

Service What it covers (as described)
Custom broking Licensed customs clearance, air and sea
Freight forwarding International freight forwarding
Transportation Multimodal transport operations (MTO)
Warehousing Warehousing services
Other services Peripheral documentation, B/L release, container dispatch to factory

The company describes its workflow as covering the chain "from having the empty container dispatched to the factory to smooth sailing of the shipment, release of B/L along with other peripheral documents."

Locations and contact

  • Registered office: 602, Shelton Cubix, Plot No 87, Sector 15, Opposite Reliance Mart, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400614
  • Nhava Sheva Port office: 1st Floor, Port Users Building, Nhava Sheva Port, District Raigad, Maharashtra 400707
  • Mundra Port office: Number 2, MICT CFS, New Mundra Island, Navinal Mundra Port, Mundra, Kutch 370421
  • Phone: (+91) 22 2756 9911/22/44/55/66/77 and 4974 1993; mobile (+91) 9821186998
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Hours listed: 9:30 AM to 6 PM

How to verify before you engage them

Because the licence and AEO status are the two claims that matter most for compliance, confirm them directly rather than relying on the website:

  1. Ask for the customs broker licence number and check it against the relevant Indian customs records.
  2. Request the AEO certificate (or its reference number) and confirm the current validity and tier.
  3. Ask for references from importers or exporters in your commodity and port of entry, since clearance performance varies by cargo type.
  4. Confirm scope in writing — which ports, which modes, and whether they handle your specific documentation needs.

If your decision hinges on the AEO status or the broker licence, get documentary confirmation before signing anything.