Import & Export
AD Code Registration for Exporters: How to Register on ICEGATE (2026)
AD Code registration is the link between your IEC, your bank and Customs — without it, the shipping bill won’t generate. Here is what an AD Code is, when it is mandatory, and how to register it on ICEGATE step-by-step with documents, fees, port rules and status check.
Introduction — why AD Code registration stops your first shipment
Your IEC is issued, the buyer’s order is confirmed, and your CHA tries to file the shipping bill — then ICEGATE returns: AD Code not registered. No AD Code on ICEGATE means no shipping bill, no customs clearance and no incentive credit. AD Code registration is the small online step that links your IEC, your bank and Customs so that foreign-exchange realisation and refunds flow to the right account.
AD Code registration matters at the start of exporting, not later. It is done once per IEC-bank combination and — since 2022 — is auto-valid across ports for the AD Code. The incentive account + IFSC for drawback/IGST has its own auto-approval logic since October 2025. This guide covers both, step-by-step, with the current CBIC position.
What is an AD Code?
AD Code is the 14-digit Authorised Dealer Code issued by your bank branch where you hold the business current account — an RBI-authorised dealer in foreign exchange (AD Category-I bank). It is not generated on the portal; the bank issues it on official letterhead after verifying your IEC, PAN and account. Customs uses the code to tie each shipping bill to your IEC + PAN + bank account for realisation and refund routing.
- Who issues it: the AD Category-I bank branch where your export current account lives — not DGFT, not ICEGATE.
- What it looks like: 14 digits on the bank’s letterhead, with bank name, branch name/address, IFSC, account number and the IEC/PAN of the account holder.
- How it differs from IFSC: AD Code routes foreign-exchange realisation; IFSC routes incentive credits (drawback/RoDTEP/IGST refund) to the correct bank account — both are registered in the same ICEGATE Bank Account Management module but as different account types.
Is AD Code registration mandatory?
Having the AD Code letter from your bank is not enough. Registration is the online linking on ICEGATE that makes the code active for Customs. Without it, the EDI system will not generate a shipping bill — a mandatory step for any export that clears customs.
- Having an AD Code vs registering it: the bank gives you the code on paper; ICEGATE makes it live for Customs.
- When it is needed: before the first shipping bill at any port — register before you promise a shipment date to the buyer.
- What it is not: AD Code registration is not an export licence and does not replace the IEC, GST or RCMC — it links them for foreign exchange.
AD Code registration process on ICEGATE — step-by-step
| Step | What you do | Key field / tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Get bank letter | Request the Annexure-A Bank Authorisation Letter from your AD bank | Must include IEC, PAN, account number, AD Code/IFSC, branch email/contact, confirmation PAN linked to account = PAN linked to IEC |
| 2. ICEGATE registration | Register/Login on icegate.gov.in via IEC-based Simplified Registration | Ensure Class 3 DSC is registered and active on ICEGATE |
| 3. e-SANCHIT upload | Upload Bank Letter + cancelled cheque (or latest bank statement endorsed) via e-SANCHIT | Generate DRN/IRN — these reference numbers are entered in Bank Account Management |
| 4. Bank Account Management | Login → Bank Account Management → Foreign Remittance Account (AD Code) → Add New Bank Account | Enter bank name/branch, 14-digit AD Code, account number, IFSC, customs location as prompted |
| 5. Verify & submit | Attach DRN/IRN, verify AD Code/account/PAN/IEC name, apply DSC and submit with OTP | Save acknowledgement/IRN; some ports also expect the bank to email the same letter to edi@jawaharcustoms.gov.in per PN 93/2020 (check port notice) |
| 6. Customs check | Customs officer scrutinises per Instruction 25/2023 (only the two documents) | Disposal: same day if before 2 PM, else by 2 PM next working day for clean files |
| 7. Status | Track in Bank Account Management → Status at Customs per location | Approved/Active, Pending, or Rejected with remark — do not file shipping bill until Active |
Do not choose the wrong account type
ICEGATE shows Foreign Remittance Account (AD Code) and Incentive Account (for drawback/IGST). For AD Code declaration, choose Foreign Remittance Account. For incentive credit routing, choose Bank Account for Export Promotion Incentive — the two are separate even though they live in the same module.
Documents required for AD Code registration
CBIC has standardised what Customs may insist on, to prevent port-by-port document creep. Keep the scans legible, PDF, and DSC-signed.
| Document | What Customs checks | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bank’s Authorisation Letter (Annexure-A per PN 93/2020) | Exporter name/address, IEC, PAN, bank account number, AD Code/IFSC, account holder name, PAN linkage confirmation (PAN linked to account = PAN linked to IEC), branch name/address/email/contact, issuing bank name/code/signature | Request the exact Annexure-A format; reject a generic bank reference. Ensure branch email is correct — some ports verify via email. |
| Copy of cancelled cheque (or latest bank statement endorsed by the bank) | MICR band visible; account number matches the letter and the ICEGATE form | Scan a fresh cheque; if using a statement, get it endorsed/stamped by the bank. |
Historical port notices (JNCH PN 93/2020) listed IEC copy, GST certificate, company PAN, authorised signatory PAN and board resolution as additional uploads. Per the 2023 CBIC instruction, Customs should rely on only the two documents above uploaded via e-SANCHIT. Keep IEC, GST and PAN consistent in your ICEGATE profile, but do not volunteer extra paper unless the portal explicitly prompts for it at your customs location.
AD Code at ports — one registration, all ports
The biggest recent change for exporters is port coverage. Before 2022, you registered the AD Code port-by-port. Since ICES Advisory 10/2022 and CBIC Instruction 25/2023-Customs, an AD Code registered at one customs location is automatically valid at all customs locations under the same IEC under a common validation mechanism — you do not file a fresh AD Code registration at every new port.
| Registration | Port logic | Current position |
|---|---|---|
| AD Code (Foreign Remittance Account) | One registration suffices — auto-valid at all ports under same IEC | Per Advisory 10/2022 + Instruction 25/2023; visible at every port after first approval |
| Incentive bank account + IFSC (for drawback/RoDTEP/IGST refund) | Historically port-wise per location | Since Circular 24/2025-Customs (7 Oct 2025): same IEC + same incentive account + same IFSC approved at one port is now system auto-approved at other ports (PFMS validation still runs) |
Don’t confuse “AD Code at all ports” with “incentive account at all ports”
Advisory 10/2022 made AD Code universal. Circular 24/2025 made the incentive account + IFSC universal for the same combination already approved once. The incentive side still requires you to submit the port-wise request in the portal — approval is just now automated rather than officer-routed.
AD Code registration fees — is there a government fee?
| Fee | Amount | Who charges |
|---|---|---|
| ICEGATE / Customs / DGFT government fee | Nil — no official Customs or DGFT fee for AD Code registration | CBIC — registration is online with no government fee |
| Bank documentation fee for AD Code letter | Often ₹500–2,000; some banks NIL — varies by bank | Issuing AD bank — may appear as bank charges |
| Class 3 DSC (if not already held) | ~₹800–2,000 depending on certifying authority | Certifying Authority via vendor |
| Professional service fee for handling (optional) | Typically from ~₹1,999 for one port, more for multi-port incentive registrations — varies by provider | CHA/consultant — not a government fee |
If a provider quotes a “government AD Code fee,” ask for the notification reference — there is none per CBIC/ICEGATE. The only bank-side charge is the bank’s own documentation fee, if any.
How long does AD Code registration take?
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Bank issues AD Code letter | 1–3 working days (banks verify IEC/PAN/account) |
| ICEGATE registration + e-SANCHIT upload | Same day — one-time ICEGATE registration if not already done |
| Customs verification (ICEGATE Bank Account Management) | Same day if submitted before 2 PM, else by 2 PM next working day for clean files (Instruction 25/2023) |
| Overall end-to-end (bank + Customs) | Typically 3–7 working days including bank coordination; clean files often clear in 1–3 working days after bank letter |
The administrative standard in Instruction 25/2023 is same-day disposal before 2 PM and next-working-day by 2 PM otherwise — treat it as a processing norm for clean files, not a guarantee for defective submissions. If the file is rejected, the clock restarts after resubmission.
How to check AD Code registration status
- Login to icegate.gov.in with your IEC-based account.
- Go to Bank Account Management — view Foreign Remittance Account (AD Code) and Bank Account for Export Promotion Incentive as two separate lists.
- Check the row for your IEC, bank, AD Code/IFSC and customs location — note the Status at Customs: Approved/Active, Pending/Under Process, or Rejected/Incomplete with the officer’s remark.
- For incentive accounts, also track the PFMS status after Customs approval — incentive credit depends on both.
- Keep the IRN/acknowledgement from e-SANCHIT; every helpdesk query needs it.
Do not file the shipping bill until the status for the relevant location shows Approved/Active. A common exporter error is filing immediately after submission and then re-filing after a day’s delay.
Common problems with AD Code registration
| Problem | Why it happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| AD Code/account/PAN mismatch | Bank letter AD Code, account number or PAN does not match IEC/PAN/bank proof | Get the letter reissued after reconciling IEC, PAN, account — digit-by-digit check before upload |
| Wrong customs location selected | Selected port does not match the port of shipment or incentive claim | For AD Code, one registration suffices; for incentive, select the exact location where credit is sought and re-submit if wrong |
| Unsigned/old bank letter | Photocopied, unsigned or pre-merger branch letter (IFSC/AD code changed after 2019–20 mergers) | Request a fresh, signed PDF on current branch letterhead after any branch migration |
| IEC deactivated | Annual April–June IEC update on DGFT portal missed — IEC in DEL/suspended | Update IEC on dgft.gov.in and re-verify status before resubmitting |
| DSC issues | Expired, misconfigured or signing-only Class 3 where signing+encryption expected | Renew/reconfigure DSC and ensure it is registered on ICEGATE under DSC Management |
| Who submits? confusion | Exporter and CHA each assume the other submitted on ICEGATE | Confirm in writing who submits and share the acknowledgement |
| Multiple AD Codes / bank accounts | New bank added without mapping the new AD Code at the port | Obtain new AD Code letter from the new bank and register the new bank/AD Code; update DGFT/GST if account changes affect IEC profile |
First diagnosis is the status page
Log in and screenshot the Bank Account Management row with date and status before raising a helpdesk ticket or RTI. The status text tells you whether the block is “not submitted,” “pending approval,” or “rejected with reason” — each needs a different fix.
Final checklist — before you file the shipping bill
- IEC is active (not in DEL) and has passed the April–June annual update.
- Valid current account with the AD bank that issued the 14-digit AD Code.
- Bank Authorisation Letter in Annexure-A format (with PAN linkage confirmation) ready as PDF.
- Cancelled cheque (or endorsed bank statement) scanned and legible.
- Class 3 DSC registered on ICEGATE and active.
- Correct customs location selected — remember AD Code itself is now all-port valid, but incentive account still needs location-specific submission.
- Registration submitted via Bank Account Management with DRN/IRN attached and DSC + OTP; acknowledgement saved.
- Status for the relevant location shows Approved/Active before the shipping bill is filed.
Start an import-export business — full sequence
Entity → IEC → AD Code → LUT → financing, in order.
Read startup guide →7 pre-shipment documents after AD Code
What banks check before your goods leave.
Read documents checklist →Need trade finance after the AD Code is active?
Once the AD Code is live, check whether your buyer’s country supports factoring or LC discounting for your shipment — and get a recommended product in seconds.
Check buyer financingFrequently asked questions
What is AD Code registration? What is an AD Code?
AD Code is the 14-digit Authorised Dealer Code issued by your AD Category-I bank branch where you hold the business current account. It identifies the bank branch for foreign-exchange routing. AD Code registration is the online linking of that code to your IEC on ICEGATE so Customs can generate shipping bills and route remittances and refunds.
Is AD Code registration mandatory for exporters?
Yes, for exports that generate a shipping bill. Without a registered AD Code linked to your IEC, ICEGATE’s EDI will not generate a shipping bill and customs clearance is blocked. You obtain the AD Code from your bank first, then register it on ICEGATE. It is distinct from having the code on paper.
Why is AD Code required?
Customs uses the AD Code to tie the shipping bill to your IEC, PAN and bank account for foreign-exchange realisation (EDPMS), IGST refund and duty drawback. The PFMS later validates the bank account + IFSC for incentive credits. An unregistered AD Code means no shipping bill and no incentive flow.
How do I register AD Code on ICEGATE? AD Code registration process?
1) Get the 14-digit AD Code letter from your AD bank (in Public Notice 93/2020 Annexure-A format). 2) Register/Login on ICEGATE (IEC-based Simplified Registration) with Class 3 DSC. 3) Upload documents via e-SANCHIT and generate IRN. 4) Go to Bank Account Management → Foreign Remittance Account (AD Code), add bank/AD Code/IFSC/account number, select customs location, attach IRN and submit with DSC. Customs approves; track status in the same module. Since Advisory 10/2022 + Instruction 25/2023, one registration is auto-valid at all ports for the AD Code.
What documents are required for AD Code registration?
Per CBIC Instruction 25/2023-Customs (28 Jul 2023) as standardised: (a) Bank’s Authorisation Letter in Annexure-A format (with exporter name/address, IEC, PAN, account number, AD Code/IFSC, bank branch name/address/email/contact, and confirmation that PAN linked to account matches IEC); and (b) copy of a cancelled cheque (or latest bank statement endorsed by the bank). Both uploaded via e-SANCHIT with digital signature. GST certificate and IEC copy are also typically held in the ICEGATE profile but the two documents above are the only ones Customs should insist on per the 2023 instruction.
Is there an AD Code registration fee? Government fee?
No government/ICEGATE fee — NIL (CBIC). The bank may charge a small documentation fee for issuing the AD Code letter (often ₹500–2,000, some banks NIL). A Class 3 DSC costs ~₹800–2,000 if you don’t already hold one. Professional service fees for handling are separate.
How long does AD Code registration take?
Banks typically issue the AD Code letter in 1–3 working days. ICEGATE Customs processing per Instruction 25/2023 is same day if applied before 2 PM, otherwise by 2 PM next working day, provided the file is clean. Overall end-to-end is typically 3–7 working days including bank coordination; defective files add time for resubmission.
Can one AD Code be registered at multiple ports? Port registration?
No separate repetition needed for the AD Code itself. Per ICES Advisory 10/2022 and CBIC Instruction 25/2023, an AD Code registered at one customs location is automatically valid at all customs locations under the same IEC. What remains port-wise is the incentive bank account + IFSC (for drawback/RoDTEP/IGST refund) — but Circular 24/2025-Customs (7 Oct 2025) now auto-approves the same incentive account + IFSC at other ports once approved at one, so subsequent port approvals are system-driven with PFMS validation only.
Can an exporter change AD Code or bank account? Multiple AD Codes?
Yes — obtain a new AD Code letter from the new bank and register via Bank Account Management → modify/add. In the same module you can also update the account; if changing an incentive account, an NOC from the bank whose account is being changed was historically required (PN 93/2020 documents). You can have multiple accounts, but each bank account + AD Code/IFSC must be registered and status tracked per customs location.
How can I check AD Code registration status?
Login to ICEGATE → Bank Account Management → view Foreign Remittance Account and Incentive Account rows. Each shows port/location code and Status at Customs: Approved/Active, Pending/Under Process, or Rejected/Incomplete with remarks. For incentive accounts, also watch PFMS status after Customs approval. The IRN/acknowledgement from e-SANCHIT is needed to track.
What happens if AD Code is not registered correctly?
The shipping bill will not generate — EDI blocks it. You face port holds, demurrage and delayed incentives. Common causes: bank letter mismatch (AD code/account/PAN/IEC name), wrong customs location selected, unsigned/old bank letter, DSC issues, or an IEC that missed its April–June annual update and is deactivated. Fix the source document and resubmit; filing the shipping bill before status shows Active is a common self-inflicted delay.