How to Link AD Code with Indian Customs ICEGATE Portal
The government of India strictly regulates imports and exports to guarantee openness, adherence to the law, and efficient customs procedures. AD Code Registration, a procedure that links a company's approved bank with the customs system, is an essential component of this law. But getting an AD Code from the bank alone isn't enough. This code needs to be connected to the Indian Customs ICEGATE Portal in order to start exporting from Indian ports. ICEGATE AD Code Registration is the name of this connection procedure. This post will explain the significance and advantages of compliance, as well as how to link an AD code with the Indian Customs ICEGATE Portal step-by-step.
What is AD Code?
AD Code stands for Authorized Dealer Code. It is a 14-digit numerical code issued by the bank through which the exporter or importer plans to conduct foreign exchange transactions. This code is essential for:
Generating shipping bills at ports
Clearing goods through customs
Receiving export proceeds in foreign currency
Without a valid AD Code, exporters cannot legally ship goods abroad from India. Thus, AD Code Registration becomes one of the foundational steps in starting an export business.
What is ICEGATE?
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) created the digital interface known as ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway). It makes it possible for logistics service providers, importers, and exporters to communicate electronically with Indian customs. ICEGATE can be used to submit export documents, check duty payments, file shipping bills, and more. To use ICEGATE's services, your company must first complete ICEGATE Registration before attaching your AD Code.
Why Link AD Code with ICEGATE?
Linking the AD Code to the customs system through ICEGATE AD Code Registration is mandatory for each port you wish to export from. Here's why it's critical:
Enables Customs Clearance: Customs authorities use this link to validate and process your export shipments.
Generates Shipping Bills: Without AD Code mapping, generating shipping bills is not possible.
Tracks Foreign Currency Inflow: It confirms that foreign payments are routed through authorized channels and are traceable.
Applies for Export Incentives: Many export-related schemes require AD Code linkage for disbursal.
Prerequisites for ICEGATE AD Code Registration
Before you begin, confirm the following requirements are in place:
Valid IEC Code (Import Export Code) from DGFT
Approved AD Code from your bank (in the prescribed format)
Active ICEGATE Registration
Valid email and mobile number linked to IEC
Authorized signatory details with PAN
A copy of the AD Code letter issued by the bank
Step-by-Step Process to Link AD Code with ICEGATE Portal
Here is the complete guide for exporters to link their AD Code through the ICEGATE platform:
Step 1: Complete ICEGATE Registration
Before AD Code linking, register your entity on the ICEGATE portal.
Visit https:www.icegate.gov.in
Click on “Sign Up” and choose “IEC Based Registration”
Enter IEC number and registered email and mobile number
Create a username and password
Complete OTP verification
Once your ICEGATE Registration is complete, proceed with AD Code linking.
Step 2: Log in to the ICEGATE Portal
Go to the ICEGATE login page and sign in with your credentials
On the dashboard, select “Bank Account Management” or “AD Code Registration” under the "e-Sanchit" tab
Step 3: Choose Port for AD Code Mapping
Since AD Code needs to be linked port-wise, choose the specific port (e.g., Mumbai, Nhava Sheva, Chennai, etc.) from where you intend to export.
Select the desired port from the dropdown list
You can link multiple ports by repeating this process
Step 4: Enter AD Code Details
Input the 14-digit AD Code issued by your bank
Enter the name of your Authorized Dealer Bank
Upload a PDF copy of the bank’s AD Code letter (on letterhead with IFSC and branch details)
Step 5: Submit the Request
Once details are filled, click on “Submit”
You will receive a Request ID and an acknowledgment
Step 6: Verification by Customs Officer
The submitted AD Code registration request is verified by a Customs Officer at the selected port. The process usually takes 1–3 working days, depending on the customs workload. After approval, your AD Code will be officially mapped with your IEC at the selected port, enabling export transactions.
How to Check Status of ICEGATE AD Code Registration?
To verify if your AD Code has been successfully registered:
Log in to the ICEGATE portal
Go to “Bank Account Management”
Click on “View AD Code Status”
Choose the port and check approval status
Once approved, you can view and download your AD Code mapping confirmation.
What If AD Code Registration is Rejected?
Sometimes, customs officers may reject your ICEGATE AD Code Registration due to:
Incomplete or incorrect bank documents
Mismatch in IEC and bank details
Wrong port selection
In such cases:
Check the reason for rejection in the ICEGATE portal
Correct the discrepancies and reapply with accurate information
Contact your bank to reissue a fresh AD Code letter, if needed
Can I Link Multiple AD Codes?
Yes. If you are using multiple banks or exporting from multiple ports, you can:
Register more than one AD Code
Link each AD Code with specific ports on ICEGATE
Confirm the correct AD Code is used for each shipping bill
This is particularly helpful for exporters with a large operational base.
Documents Required for ICEGATE AD Code Registration
IEC Certificate
AD Code letter issued by the bank (in prescribed format)
Bank details including IFSC and branch name
Authorization letter (if signing authority is different)
PAN and Aadhaar of the authorized signatory
Confirm that the documents are scanned and clear, preferably in PDF format.
Benefits of ICEGATE AD Code Registration
Compliance: Legally required for all export businesses
Customs Efficiency: Speeds up clearance at Indian ports
Bank Reconciliation: Confirms proper tracking of foreign remittance
Incentive Claims: Necessary for availing export-related government schemes
Avoids Delays: Helps avoid last-minute issues during shipment
Key Tips to Make sure Smooth AD Code Linking
Always use the latest format of the AD Code letter
Match bank and IEC details exactly (even punctuation matters)
Register well before your shipment date
Keep track of port-wise approval to avoid last-minute confusion
Revalidate your AD Code if you switch banks or open a new branch
Assumption
One of the most important procedures in getting ready for exports is connecting the AD Code with Indian Customs via the ICEGATE portal. ICEGATE AD Code Registration guarantees that your shipping transactions are traceable, authentic, and in compliance with Indian customs laws, regardless of whether you are a first-time exporter or expanding your business across several ports. With the correct paperwork in place, AD Code Registration becomes a one-time operation with long-term trade benefits, even if the process may initially appear complicated. The ICEGATE portal provides an easy-to-use interface. Because smooth paperwork is the first step towards successful international trade, if you intend to launch or expand your export company, make sure your AD Code is correctly linked via ICEGATE Registration.
