If you’ve been in the import-export business in India for long enough, you know the “Customs headache.” It’s that anxious wait for a status update on ICEGATE, the sudden query on an HS Code, and the mounting demurrage charges while your container sits at Mundra, Pipavav, Hazara, Ahmedabad ICD, Ahmedabad Air Cargo or Nhava Sheva.

But by 2026, the script has flipped. With the Indian government targeting a 24-hour clearance cycle and the shift to agentic AI, the days of “waiting and watching” are officially over.

What is Agentic AI? (And why it’s not just a buzzword)

• Predict Queries: It scans your Bill of Entry before submission to “think” like a Customs Officer, spotting potential HS Code disputes before they happen.

Unlike old systems that just flagged errors, Agentic AI actually acts. In 2026, we aren’t just using software; we are using digital agents that:

• Self-Correct: If a document has a typo, the AI identifies it and suggests the fix based on your past 100 successful filings.

• Real-time Visibility: It doesn’t just tell you “In Transit.” It tells you, “Your shipment is 2 hours from the port; the AI has already pre-filed the documentation for immediate gate-in.”

The Big Shift: From Paper-Heavy to “Agent-Led”

We recently worked with a leading electronics manufacturer in Ahmedabad importing components from Vietnam.

Before PKM
Their consignments were routinely delayed due to classification ambiguity and supporting document gaps – specifically inconsistent HS codes between the commercial invoice and supplier packing list.
– Average clearance delay: 3–4 days per shipment
– Recurring demurrage and detention costs: ~₹45,000 per month

What PKM Changed

Using PKM’s pre-arrival compliance workflow and AI-assisted document scrutiny, the discrepancy was flagged before vessel berthing. Our team corrected the HS classification, aligned supplier documentation, and pre-validated the Bill of Entry data to avoid assessment queries.

The Outcome
• Customs clearance completed within 18 hours of filing
• Clearance delays reduced by over 70%
• No demurrage or detention on subsequent shipments

This is not “AI magic.” This is import compliance done before the cargo lands.

Why PKM?

At Premji Kanji Masani Private alimoted (PKM), we’ve been at the heart of Indian logistics since 1963. We’ve seen the industry move from hand-written ledgers to the cloud, and now to AI. We don’t just move cargo; we move data at the speed of light to ensure your business never stops.

“In 2026, your logistics partner shouldn’t just be a mover; they should be your tech-shield against delays.”