Why Exporters Should Check IGST Scroll Status Before Following Up on Refund Delays
Many exporters assume that if their IGST refund Status hasn't reached their bank account, the refund application is still under processing. However, that's not always the case.
One of the most overlooked checkpoints in the refund process is the IGST Scroll Status on ICEGATE. It helps determine whether Customs has approved the refund for payment or if the refund is delayed due to validation errors.
Understanding this status can save exporters weeks of unnecessary follow-ups.
What Is IGST Scroll Status?
IGST Scroll Status is a stage in the Customs refund process where approved IGST refund claims are grouped into a payment scroll. Once the scroll is generated, the refund is forwarded for payment through the government's financial system.
In simple terms, the scroll acts as an authorization for refund disbursement after Customs completes the necessary validations.
Why Refunds Get Delayed
Even after successful exports, refunds may remain pending due to several reasons, including:
Shipping Bill and GST return mismatches
The Export General Manifest (EGM) was not filed by the shipping line
Incorrect bank account details
GSTIN or IEC validation issues
Invoice data mismatch between the GST Portal and the ICEGATE
These issues can prevent the refund scroll from being generated.
Read more: What is the Duty Drawback Scheme for export: Eligibility and Types
Signs You Should Check Your Scroll Status
You should verify your IGST Scroll Status if:
Your refund has not been credited for several weeks.
GST Portal shows the refund as processed, but the payment is pending.
Customs officials ask for the scroll number.
You want to determine whether the delay is with Customs or the banking system.
Checking the scroll status helps identify the exact stage where the refund is held up.
MYGST Refund Consultants provides end-to-end GST refund services for businesses across various industries. Our experienced GST refund consultants assist with eligibility assessment, document verification, refund application filing, and regular follow-ups with the GST department until your refund is processed.
Best Practices to Avoid Refund Delays
Exporters can reduce refund processing issues by following a few simple practices:
Ensure Shipping Bill details match GSTR-1 invoices.
Verify that the shipping line has filed the EGM.
Keep bank account details updated on ICEGATE.
Regularly reconcile export documents before filing GST returns.
Monitor refund progress periodically instead of waiting for payment notifications.
Taking these steps can significantly reduce avoidable delays.
Final Thoughts
IGST refund delays are often caused by data mismatches rather than processing backlogs. Regularly checking the IGST Scroll Status helps exporters identify issues early and take corrective action before delays become prolonged.
For a detailed step-by-step guide on checking IGST Scroll Status, understanding common error codes, and resolving refund issues, read the complete guide by MyGSTRefund