<p data-path-to-node="2"><b data-path-to-node="2" data-index-in-node="0">THIRUVANANTHAPURAM</b> — Marking a monumental transition in India’s maritime landscape, the Vizhinjam International Seaport is officially preparing to launch full-fledged commercial export-import (EXIM) cargo operations.</p><p data-path-to-node="3">Following formal notification by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) designating the facility as an official customs port, the deepwater gateway is set to expand beyond its legacy role as a pure international transshipment hub. Developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model between the Government of Kerala and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), the port has demonstrated extraordinary velocity—handling over 2 million TEUs within 18 months of its initial commercial debut.</p><p data-path-to-node="4">To facilitate the upcoming EXIM rollout while interim warehousing infrastructure is finalized, initial operations will operate under structured guidelines, restricting imports to Full Container Load (FCL) consignments under Direct Port Delivery (DPD), and exports to factory-stuffed, self-sealed or Customs-sealed FCL containers via Direct Port Entry (DPE). State leaders and industrial groups emphasize that opening direct gateway access will drastically cut transport overheads for South Indian manufacturing clusters, shorten supply chain transit schedules, and significantly minimize the country's historic reliance on foreign transshipment hubs.</p>