The 60-second version
Marine cargo covers loss/damage in transit — essential for returned machinery, inventory imports, and unaccompanied baggage. I match ICC clause, declare incoterms, and align with customs Bill of Entry.
ICC(A) all-risk beats basic ICC(C) for used machinery imports
Returning founders importing CNC, lab equipment, or stock need marine cargo before goods leave origin port — insurer declines if loss already occurred.
Incoterms decide who buys policy: CIF seller insures; EXW buyer insures from factory gate.
Pair with customs agent surveyor clause for faster port damage claims.
Shipping timeline: household goods guide.
ICC clause comparison
| Clause | Cover level | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| ICC(A) | All-risk | Machinery, electronics |
| ICC(B) | Named perils | Bulk commodities |
| ICC(C) | Minimal | Low-value resilient goods |
| Inland transit | Warehouse to port | Domestic leg India |
| War/SRCC rider | Strike riot | High-risk routes |
Cargo policy sequence
Fix incoterms
Contract states who insures.
Declare voyage
Origin port → Indian port → inland.
Bind ICC(A)
Invoice + freight + 10% uplift SI.
Survey on damage
Port surveyor before customs clearance.
Claim pack
BL + invoice + photos + BOE.
Shipment flow
Cargo insurance kit
- Commercial invoice.
- Packing list.
- Bill of lading.
- Policy certificate.
- Survey report if claim.
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Used goods
Insurer may apply depreciation — declare age and condition on proposal.
Quick visual
Animated decision map
Community signal
What to watch in real discussions
Search community threads for the exact phrase, then treat repeated complaints as risk signals rather than official advice.
Open nofollow community search ->Interactive checkpoint
Turn this guide into a decision file
0 of 4 checked
Household UAB?
Separate UNPACKED marine policy — not courier cover.
GST on premium?
18% GST on policy — ITC if business import.
Delay not damage?
Delay in transit excluded unless specific rider.
CIF shipment?
Check seller certificate — gap-fill if under-insured.
Air freight?
Air cargo policy mirror — ICC(A) equivalent.
Re-import after repair?
New voyage needs new policy.
The plan is only as good as the sequence.
Tax, banking, schools, shipping — they all have dependencies. A wrong order costs months and lakhs. Get it right.