what is the date of export

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CA JAY KHARA (Querist)
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25 July 2017 my client is merchant exporter in that case what is the date of export? the procedure is 1. he issue export invoice to CHA and that date shipping bill is generated after that CHA book vessel foR future date then he called supplier to supply goods before vessel date 2. supplier sent goods directly to Port and bill of lading generated in that case what is the date of export 1. shipping date 2. bill of lading date

RAMESH KUMAR VERMA

RAMESH KUMAR VERMA (Expert)
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27 July 2017 The Date of Export will be which is mentioned on EP COPY OF SHIPPING BILL as "LEO" Let Export Order

CA JAY KHARA

CA JAY KHARA (Querist)
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27 July 2017 ok thank you sir my other doubt is ... in above situation if my client give export invoice in July to book vessel and vessel is booked for August so my supplier sent goods directly to Port till August so in that situation what I have to do ? 1. I have to issue tax invoice along with export invoice i.e. in July it means my sell is in July and my purchase bills and lr of transport is of August so in GST what to do ? as in July return it will show negative stock

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CA JAY KHARA

CA JAY KHARA (Querist)
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27 July 2017 ok thank you sir but what to do in GST regime as I have to issue tax invoice along with export invoice so first I issue tax invoice and book my sale and then purchase will come so stock become negative if this sale purchase means booking vessel in same month then ok but if export invoice is other month and vessel booked in next month then what to do ?

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Aashok Kumar Sharma

Aashok Kumar Sharma (Expert)
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03 August 2025 Great question — export timing and GST compliance can get tricky in merchant export scenarios! Let me break it down:

What is the Date of Export?
Date of Export is the date of Let Export Order (LEO) mentioned on the Shipping Bill.

The Shipping Bill date with LEO is legally considered the export date, not the Bill of Lading date or invoice date.

LEO is the Customs’ permission to export goods, and it triggers various export-related timelines.

Your scenario:
Client issues export invoice to CHA (Customs House Agent) in July.

Vessel booking is for August.

Supplier sends goods directly to port, bill of lading generated in August.

Shipping bill (with LEO) is cleared only in August.

GST and Accounting Considerations:
1. Invoice & Sale Booking:

In GST, supply is recognized on the date of invoice issuance.

For exports, invoice must be issued before or at the time of removal of goods.

Since your export invoice is in July but LEO (actual export date) and goods movement is in August, there is a mismatch.

2. Negative Stock Issue:

Booking sale in July but purchase and goods receipt in August may cause negative stock.

This happens if you record sale before you actually have goods.

What should you do?
Ideally, issue export invoice close to the date of LEO (export date) to avoid stock mismatches.

If vessel is booked in August and goods will be exported only then, delay invoice to August.

If invoice must be issued earlier (July) for contractual reasons, then:

Record sale in July.

Record purchase and receipt in August.

Allow temporary negative stock with clear documentation.

Maintain proper reconciliation and audit trail to justify the timing difference.

In GST returns:

Export invoice will be shown in the month invoice issued (July).

Purchase will be shown in August.

Negative stock is allowed temporarily but should be monitored.

Summary:
Event Date to Consider for GST & Accounting
Export Invoice issued Date of invoice (July or August, as per your decision)
Date of Export (LEO) Shipping Bill LEO date (August)
Purchase of goods Actual receipt date (August)
Vessel booking date No direct impact on GST accounting

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