India
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Surat
Surat processes most of the world's diamonds, a typical high-value air shipment.
Services in Surat
- Air freight in SuratAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in SuratFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in SuratImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Surat
- AirportSurat
STV - AirportAhmedabad
AMD - AirportMumbai
BOM - SeaportHazira
Surat International Airport (STV) has a modest network with limited international cargo capacity, so most air freight from Surat is trucked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai or to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad. High-value diamond and jewellery shipments typically route through Mumbai, where the trade's import and export infrastructure is concentrated. For sea freight, Hazira port on the Tapi estuary next to the city handles containers and bulk cargo, with Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra as further container options.
NH48 connects Surat with Mumbai to the south and with Vadodara and Ahmedabad to the north, and is the main trucking route to BOM and AMD. The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor runs through south Gujarat and carries container trains between the ports and northern India. Local roads link the Hazira industrial area with the city and the textile estates.
Industries in Surat and how we support them
Surat is the world's main diamond cutting and polishing centre, and the Surat Diamond Bourse has added a large trading complex for the industry. The city is also India's centre for synthetic textiles and sarees, with weaving and processing units in estates such as Sachin and Pandesara, while Hazira hosts steel, petrochemical and heavy engineering plants. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with secure air freight via Mumbai under our own air waybills, On-Board Courier for high-value parcels, sea freight via Hazira and JNPT for textiles and chemicals, and customs clearance by our partner team in the Ziem network.
Operational logistics facts for Surat
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Surat Diamond Bourse | Cut and polished diamonds, jewellery | High-value parcels routed via BOM or by On-Board Courier |
| Hazira port | Containers, steel, chemicals | Sea freight right next to the city's heavy industry |
| Sachin and Pandesara textile estates | Synthetic fabrics, sarees, processed textiles | Pick-up arranged at mills for export sea or air freight |
| NH48 to Mumbai and Ahmedabad | Trucking to BOM and AMD | Choice of two international airports for each shipment |
Customs clearance in India
Ziem network
Customs clearance in India is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
For air freight to and from India we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in India need an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC).
Frequently asked questions
Which airport do you use for air freight from Surat, STV, BOM or AMD?
For most international shipments we truck the goods to BOM in Mumbai, which offers the widest choice of flights. Ahmedabad (AMD) is an alternative for some Gulf routings. Surat airport itself has limited international cargo capacity. We choose the routing per shipment and confirm the cut-off time.
How are diamond and jewellery shipments from Surat transported?
High-value consignments need secure handling, correct valuation and insurance cover. We route them via BOM as air freight under our own air waybills or, for urgent parcels, by On-Board Courier, and agree security arrangements and documentation with you before collection.
Does the monsoon affect pick-ups in Surat?
From June to September the monsoon can bring flooding in parts of Surat and slow traffic on NH48. We plan collection and trucking to the airport with buffer during that period and confirm cut-off times with every booking.
Who handles customs clearance for diamond exports from Surat?
Clearance is carried out by a partner team in the Ziem network, working under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures. Diamond and jewellery exports have specific valuation and documentation requirements, which we review with you before the shipment leaves Surat.
Can sea imports for Surat be cleared at Hazira?
Yes. Containers arriving at Hazira can be cleared there and delivered to your site in Surat, or routed via Nhava Sheva or Mundra if those services suit the trade lane better. Clearance depends on complete documents and the importer's IEC.
What documents do textile exporters in Surat need?
Typically the commercial invoice, packing list, the exporter's IEC and, depending on the destination, a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty in the importing country. Our partner team files the shipping bill electronically via ICEGATE.