AD Code Registration Online in India

AD Code registration forms part of the export setup. The following steps show where it fits and what typically follows:

1. Obtain an Import Export Code (IEC): Apply for an IEC through the DGFT system. The AD Code is linked to the IEC used for your export transactions.
2. Obtain the AD Code from Your Bank: Your Authorized Dealer bank issues the 14-digit AD Code for the current account used for export transactions.
3. Register the AD Code on ICEGATE: Submit the bank-issued AD Code and required documents through the ICEGATE portal for the relevant Customs location.
4. File the Shipping Bill: Use the registered bank account details while completing the applicable export Customs procedures and filing the shipping bill.
5. Claim Applicable Export Benefits: After completing the required export formalities, you can claim applicable benefits or refunds, such as RoDTEP, duty drawback, or GST refunds, subject to the respective eligibility conditions.

If you export products that require registration with an Export Promotion Council or commodity board, you may also need an RCMC registration or other applicable registration.

Before registering an AD Code with Customs, make sure your business meets the following requirements:

• Valid IEC: You must have a valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
• Current Bank Account: You must maintain a current account with a bank authorized by the RBI to handle foreign exchange transactions.
• AD Code from Your Bank: Your Authorized Dealer bank must issue the 14-digit AD Code for the current account linked to your IEC.
• ICEGATE Registration: You must register the bank-issued AD Code with Customs through the ICEGATE portal for the relevant export location.

Exporters with a valid IEC who need to declare an authorized dealer bank account for export-related customs and foreign-remittance procedures need it. Specifically, the following can apply:

• Importers and exporters holding a valid Import Export Code (IEC).
• Companies with a current account in an RBI-approved bank for foreign exchange.
• Businesses that regularly receive or make payments in foreign currency.
• Firms involved in export, import, or both need smooth customs clearance for their shipments at any port or Inland Container Depot (ICD).
• Traders who want to access government export benefits and schemes.

If your business deals with cross-border trade or foreign currency, applying for AD Code registration is essential to stay compliant and ensure faster processing of transactions.

You generally need the following documents to obtain an AD Code from your bank and register it with Customs on ICEGATE:

The exact document set can vary by bank and business structure. Check the requirements of your Authorized Dealer bank before submitting the application to avoid requests for additional documents.

To avoid delays or rejection during AD Code registration on the ICEGATE portal, ensure your bank issues the AD Code letter on its official letterhead. The letter should include the following details:

• Business name and registered address
• Import Export Code (IEC) number
• 14-digit AD (Authorized Dealer) Code
• Current account number linked to the IEC
• IFSC code and branch details

Note: Although the AD Code is now pan-India, the bank account and IFSC details used for refund and export incentive processing may still need to be registered port-wise.

• Name of the authorized dealer bank
• Confirmation that the bank is authorized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to deal in foreign exchange
• Authorized bank official's signature, name, designation, and bank seal
• Date of issue

Important Things to Remember for Documents:

• Self-Attestation: Most documents for AD code registration at customs need to be self-attested by the authorized person and often stamped with your company's seal.
• Clear Scans: When you're doing ICEGATE AD Code registration online, make sure all scanned documents are very clear, easy to read, and meet the required file size and type (usually PDF).

The AD Code registration process typically has two main parts: getting the AD Code from your bank, then registering it with Customs using the ICEGATE portal.

Part 1: Getting AD Code from your Bank

1. Open a Current Account: Make sure you have a current account with an RBI-authorized bank that handles foreign exchange.
2. Write a Request Letter: Prepare a formal request letter on your company's letterhead for your bank manager. Ask for an AD Code for your IEC. Clearly state the port(s) where you plan to register the AD Code.
3. Submit Documents to Bank: Give the request letter and all needed documents (IEC, PAN, GST, cancelled cheque, etc.) to your bank. Many banks now let you submit these online through their trade services.
4. Bank Issues AD Code: After checking your details, the bank will give you a 14-digit AD Code on their official letterhead.

Part 2: Registering AD Code with Customs (ICEGATE Portal)

1. Go to the ICEGATE Portal: Visit the official ICEGATE website (icegate.gov.in).
2. Log In with IEC Details: Sign in using your IEC credentials. If you don't have an account, you will need to register first using your Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate, preferably in the name of the IEC holder (Proprietor/Director/Authorized Signatory).
3. Find AD Code Registration: Look for "Bank Account Management" or "AD Code Registration" in the services area.
4. Enter AD Code Information: Type in the AD Code details exactly as your bank provided them.
5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents. This includes the AD Code letter from your bank, IEC, PAN, and GST certificate. Make sure the documents are clear and easy to read.
6. Submit Application: Send your application. You might get a One-Time Password (OTP) for verification.
7. Approval: The application is processed through the Customs system, and its status can be tracked online. If deficiencies are identified, additional action or resubmission may be required.

Note: Earlier, exporters generally registered AD Codes separately at individual ports. Under the current system, once an AD Code is registered against an IEC, it can be used for filing documents at other Customs locations. However, bank account and IFSC details can still have port-specific relevance for processing applicable export refunds and incentives.

The AD Code registration fee, mandatory for exporting goods from India, is usually nil. There is no official government fee charged by the Customs Department for AD Code registration on the ICEGATE portal. However, you might have to pay ₹500 to ₹2,000 when obtaining the AD Code letter from your bank.

If you are using the help of an agent or service provider, professional charges may apply separately.

Once your documents are submitted correctly, the AD Code is usually registered on ICEGATE within 7–10 working days.

The AD Code itself does not expire. AD Code is registered once against your IEC and is valid across all Customs locations.

The AD Code is registered against the IEC and can be used across Customs locations. You do not generally need to obtain a separate AD Code for each port. However, bank account and IFSC details may still have port-specific relevance for processing export refunds and incentives.

India has several seaports, airports, and Inland Container Depots (ICDs) that handle export shipments. Some major Customs locations include:

• Mumbai (JNPT, Sahar ACC)
• Chennai (Chennai Port, Chennai ACC)
• Kolkata (Kolkata Port, Kolkata ACC)
• Delhi (Delhi ACC, Patparganj ICD, Tughlakabad ICD)
• Bengaluru (Bengaluru ACC, Whitefield ICD)
• Ahmedabad (Ahmedabad ACC)
• Hyderabad (Hyderabad ACC, Sanathnagar ICD)
• Cochin (Cochin Port, Cochin ACC)
• Vizag (Visakhapatnam Port)
• Paradeep (Paradeep Port)
• Mundra (Mundra Port)
• Pipavav (Pipavav Port)
• Kandla (Kandla Port)

Need AD Code registration for a specific Customs location? Tell us your port or ICD, and we'll guide you through the applicable process. Fill the form now!

After submitting the AD Code through ICEGATE, you can check its registration status through the Bank Account Management section of your ICEGATE account. The system displays details such as the Customs location, bank name, AD Code, account number, and status with Customs.

How to Check the AD Code Registration Status?

Follow these steps to check the status of your AD Code registration:

1. Visit the ICEGATE portal and log in to your registered account.
2. Open the Bank Account Management section from your ICEGATE dashboard.
3. Locate the relevant bank account and AD Code in the registered account list.
4. Check the Customs status shown against the account. ICEGATE displays the applicable status, such as pending or approved.
5. Take corrective action if required: If Customs rejects the application or identifies an issue, review the reason and follow the applicable resubmission or modification process.

ICEGATE's FAQ states that users can register an AD Code online through their ICEGATE profile. It also notes that an AD Code showing as Customs Pending may require additional processing time.

Note: Keep the AD Code letter issued by your bank and the relevant ICEGATE records for your business documentation. Do not describe an ICEGATE-generated acknowledgement or status record as an “AD Code Registration Certificate” unless the portal specifically provides such a document for your account.

If you have registered an incorrect AD Code on the ICEGATE portal, you should correct it as soon as possible to avoid delays in shipping bill generation, export payments, or incentive claims.

Follow these steps to update your AD Code:

1. Contact your authorized dealer (AD) bank and confirm the correct 14-digit AD Code linked to your current account.
2. Log in to the ICEGATE portal using your registered credentials.
3. Go to the Bank Account Management section and check your existing AD Code details.
4. If the portal allows modifications, submit a request to update the AD Code along with the revised bank letter and supporting documents.
5. If modification is not available online, contact the Customs authority at your original port of AD Code registration or seek assistance from your Customs Broker (CHA) to initiate the correction.
6. Once Customs verifies the request, the corrected AD Code will be updated against your IEC.

The Import Export Code (IEC) and AD Code serve different purposes in India’s foreign trade system. The IEC identifies the importer or exporter, while the AD Code links the exporter’s bank account with Customs for handling export proceeds.

In simple terms, the IEC identifies your business for international trade, while the AD Code identifies the Authorized Dealer bank account associated with your exports. An exporter may need both to complete the applicable Customs and foreign exchange formalities.