Getting two exporters customs-ready: ICEGATE filing and a multi-port AD Code
How we set up a new firm to file on ICEGATE, and registered an engineering exporter’s AD Code at every port it ships from, so neither was held at the dock.
The two registrations that gate every customs filing
Two registrations sit between a business and its first clean customs filing. ICEGATE, the customs department’s electronic gateway, is where Bills of Entry and Shipping Bills are filed. The AD Code, a 14-digit Authorised Dealer code from your bank, links your bank account to customs at a port so export proceeds and benefits like RoDTEP, duty drawback and IGST refunds can flow.
One point is worth getting right, because first-timers trip on it: ICEGATE belongs to Customs (CBIC), not the DGFT. The DGFT issues your IEC and licences. Customs runs the filing gateway. They are different authorities, and full ICEGATE registration to file also needs a Class 3 DSC.
Two clients, two registrations
1 Logistics firm, first-time ICEGATE user
- Challenge. A new firm needed a registered ICEGATE ID to file Bills of Entry and Shipping Bills electronically, and the first-time process was stalling.
- What we did. Completed the ICEGATE registration, including the Class 3 DSC the portal requires for filing access, and set the ID up to file.
- Outcome. The ID was approved and the first consignment was filed, without the firm having to learn the portal the hard way.
2 Engineering goods exporter, multi-port AD Code
- Challenge. Exporting from several ports, the exporter needed its AD Code registered at each one. A Shipping Bill cannot be filed at a port where the AD Code is not registered.
- What we did. Registered the AD Code on ICEGATE against each port code the exporter ships from, coordinating the bank’s AD Code letter for each location.
- Outcome. The AD Code was live at every port, so exports could be filed across the network and benefits credited to the right account.
What we check on ICEGATE and AD Code
- The right authority. ICEGATE is Customs, the IEC is DGFT. Mixing them up is where first-timers lose time.
- The DSC. Full ICEGATE filing access needs a Class 3 DSC mapped to the account.
- AD Code per port. The code has to be registered against each port code you ship from, not just once.
- The bank’s AD Code letter. In the correct format, with the 14-digit code and bank details, or the registration bounces.
- Benefit routing. The AD Code is what lets RoDTEP, drawback and IGST refunds reach your account, so the bank linkage has to be right.
ICEGATE and AD Code FAQs
What is ICEGATE?
It is the Indian Customs electronic gateway for filing Bills of Entry and Shipping Bills. It belongs to Customs (CBIC), not the DGFT, which is a common point of confusion.
What is an AD Code?
A 14-digit Authorised Dealer code issued by your bank and registered at a port, so customs can link your bank account for export proceeds and benefits.
Do I need an AD Code at every port?
Yes. A Shipping Bill cannot be filed at a port where your AD Code is not registered, so it has to be registered at each port you ship from.
Do I need a DSC for ICEGATE?
Yes. Full ICEGATE registration to file Bills of Entry and Shipping Bills needs a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate.
Which export benefits depend on the AD Code?
RoDTEP, duty drawback and IGST refunds are credited through the bank account linked by the AD Code, which is why the registration has to be correct at every port.
Getting set up to file with Customs?
Tell us your ports and your bank. We will handle the ICEGATE registration and the AD Code at every port you ship from.
Get a free consultation See our ICEGATE registration and AD Code registration services
