1. 🧾 What is AD Code Registration?
AD Code (Authorised Dealer Code) is a 14-digit numerical code issued by the bank that handles foreign exchange transactions of an exporter. This code must be registered with the Customs Department at the port of export through the ICEGATE portal.
Without an AD Code registration, an exporter cannot generate a shipping bill, which is a mandatory customs document for exporting goods from India.
2. ✅ Eligibility Criteria
AD Code registration is compulsory for all exporters of goods from India. It applies to the following categories:
- Proprietorship firms
- Partnerships and LLPs
- Private/Public Limited Companies
- Export Houses
- MSMEs and SEZ Units
📌 Turnover Threshold:
There is no minimum turnover requirement—any entity wishing to export goods from India must complete AD Code registration.
3. 🎁 Benefits of AD Code Registration
- 🛫 Mandatory for port clearance
- 📄 Required to generate shipping bills on ICEGATE
- 💱 Enables foreign exchange remittance via bank
- 📉 Links with DGFT, ICEGATE, and GST systems
- ✅ Simplifies customs processing and refunds under GST
- 💳 Helps receive export incentives, duty drawback, RoDTEP, etc.
4. 📑 Documents Required
- AD Code Letter from the bank on official letterhead
- Copy of IEC Certificate issued by DGFT
- Copy of GST Certificate
- PAN Card of business entity
- Cancelled Cheque of the exporter’s current account
- Export House/Company Letterhead
- Authorisation Letter/Board Resolution (for companies)
- Mobile number and email ID (registered with bank and ICEGATE)
5. 🌐 Registration Portal & Website
| Authority | Portal Name | Complete Website Address |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Customs (CBIC) | ICEGATE Portal | https://www.icegate.gov.in |
6. 🧷 Step-by-Step AD Code Registration Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Request a 14-digit AD Code letter from your bank (Authorised Dealer Bank) |
| 2 | Visit ICEGATE Portal and log in or register your account |
| 3 | Navigate to e-SANCHIT → Bank AD Code Registration |
| 4 | Select Customs House Code (Port of Export) |
| 5 | Upload bank-issued AD Code letter and supporting documents (PDF format) |
| 6 | Submit application and note the tracking reference number (TRN) |
| 7 | Customs reviews and approves AD Code for that port within 1–3 working days |
🕒 Processing Time: 2–3 working days
💳 Government Fee: ₹0 (free of charge)
🏁 One-time registration per port – Repeat for each export port
7. 📌 Post-Registration Compliances
- Register AD Code separately at every export port – ✅ Mandatory
- Update ICEGATE profile in case of address or bank change – ✅ Mandatory
- Renew digital signature timely for future filings – ✅ Mandatory
- Maintain record of shipping bills for audit – ✅ Mandatory
- Link AD Code with IEC, GST, and e-BRC filing – ✅ Mandatory
- Use AD Code in e-invoice and refund applications – ✅ Mandatory
8. 📉 Consequences of Non-Compliance
| Non-Compliance | Consequence |
|---|---|
| No AD Code registered at port | Unable to generate shipping bill |
| Wrong or mismatched AD Code in documents | Customs clearance blocked / delayed refunds |
| Failure to register AD Code for new export port | Shipment blocked at new port |
| Use of unverified bank letter | Application rejection or blacklisting risk |
9. 📊 Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Enable customs clearance at port for exports |
| Issuing Authority | Bank (Authorised Dealer) |
| Registration Authority | Indian Customs (via ICEGATE Portal) |
| Who Should Register | All exporters of goods |
| Fee | Nil (free of charge) |
| Portal | https://www.icegate.gov.in |
| Validity | Lifetime per port |
| Required For | Shipping bill, duty drawback, e-BRC, RoDTEP |
| Post-Registration Compliance | Port-wise registration, profile updates, document maintenance |
10. 📚 Embedded Internal and External Links
- Learn about Import Export Code Registration to begin your export journey
- Know how to register on ICEGATE Portal for shipping bill generation
- Ensure GST Registration to receive export-related refunds
- Understand PAN Registration for business compliance
- Visit DGFT Portal for IEC-related services
11. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the full form of AD Code?
Authorised Dealer Code. - Who issues the AD Code in India?
It is issued by the bank (Authorised Dealer) with whom the exporter has a current account. - Can one AD Code be used at multiple ports?
No, the AD Code must be separately registered at each port of export via ICEGATE. - Is AD Code needed for service exporters?
No, it is only applicable for physical export of goods. - Can a single business have multiple AD Codes?
Yes, but each AD Code must correspond to a specific bank and port. - Is there any government fee for AD Code registration?
No, the registration is free of cost. - Can the AD Code be changed later?
Yes, exporters can request change through ICEGATE by submitting revised documents. - How long does it take to activate the AD Code?
Usually 2–3 working days after submission and approval. - Do I need to submit original documents at customs?
No, all documents are submitted electronically via e-SANCHIT on ICEGATE. - What if the AD Code letter format is incorrect?
The customs system may reject the application. It’s important to use the prescribed format from DGFT or ICEGATE guidelines.
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