An AD (Authorized Dealer) Code is a 7-digit code provided by your bank. It identifies the branch where you have your export-related current account and foreign exchange facility.

Is AD Code registration mandatory?

Yes, it is absolutely mandatory for all exporters. Without it, you cannot file a Shipping Bill, which is the document required to clear goods for export.

Do I need a separate AD Code for each port?

You use the SAME AD Code from your bank, but you must REGISTER it separately with the Customs at every port (e.g., Delhi Air Cargo, Nhava Sheva, Chennai Port) from where you export.

How long does the registration take?

Once the bank letter is ready, the online filing on ICEGATE takes about 1-2 days. The port authority usually approves it within 3 to 7 working days.

Can I change my bank account after AD Code registration?

Yes, but you will have to undergo the registration process again on ICEGATE with the AD Code letter from your new bank to update the records.

What is the validity of AD Code registration?

Once registered at a port, it is valid for as long as your bank account and IEC are active. There is no periodic renewal required.

Do I need a Digital Signature (DSC) for this?

Yes, a Class 3 DSC is mandatory to log in and sign the bank account registration documents on the ICEGATE portal.

What if my AD Code registration is rejected?

Common reasons for rejection include document mismatches or poor scan quality. We help in identifying the exact error and refiling the corrected application.

Service

AD Code Registration Online | Bank AD Code for Exports

Register your Bank's AD Code with Indian Customs for hassle-free exports. Mandatory for clearing goods and receiving foreign payments.

The Critical Link for Exporters

Register your Bank's AD Code with Indian Customs for hassle-free exports. Mandatory for clearing goods and receiving foreign payments.

Essential for customs clearance and foreign exchange. Register your Authorized Dealer (AD) Code with Customs to receive export proceeds smoothly.

The link between your bank and Indian Customs. Register your Authorized Dealer code to enable smooth export shipments and secure your incentives.

An Authorized Dealer (AD) Code is a 7-digit numerical code provided by a bank to its customers who hold a current account for business. This code identifies the specific bank branch authorized to handle foreign exchange transactions. However, having the code from the bank is not enough; for exporters, this code must be registered with the Indian Customs Department via the ICEGATE portal.

The primary purpose of AD Code registration is to ensure that the proceeds from exports are routed through an authorized channel and that any government incentives, like the Duty Drawback or RoDTEP, are credited directly to the exporter's verified bank account. Without AD Code registration, you cannot generate a 'Shipping Bill' on the ICEGATE system, which is the basic document required for export clearance.

QuickTaxperts provides specialized assistance in obtaining the AD Code letter from your bank and managing the digital registration process on the ICEGATE portal for any port across India.

Category: Taxation
Links your bank account to your Import Export Code (IEC).
Mandatory for all commercial exports from India.
Required for receiving foreign currency payments legally.
Specific to each customs port (JNPT, Mundra, IGI, etc.).
Mandatory for generating Shipping Bills
Required for each port of export separately
Enables direct credit of Duty Drawbacks and incentives
One-time registration per port

Why AD Code Registration is Non-Negotiable

The technical foundation of your export logistics.

Shipping Bill Generation: The ICEGATE system will not allow the filing of a Shipping Bill unless a valid AD Code is registered.
Incentive Credits: Ensures that Duty Drawback (DBK) and other export benefits are credited directly to your bank account.
Foreign Remittance: Legitimatizes the inflow of foreign currency into your business bank account for trade.
Regulatory Compliance: Fulfills the requirements of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and DGFT.
Customs Clearance: Avoids delays at the port by ensuring your documentation is pre-verified in the system.
Bank Verification: Confirms to Customs that your bank has verified your business credentials.

Eligibility and applicability

We check applicability before filing so the selected registration, licence, or compliance route matches your facts.

Must have a valid Import Export Code (IEC).
Must have a Current Bank Account in a bank authorized to deal in foreign exchange.
Must have a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for ICEGATE registration.
Registration must be done for the specific port from where exports are intended.

Documents required

Document requirements vary by entity type, state, premises, and authority. These are the usual groups we verify before submission.

Mandatory Documents: AD Code Authorization Letter from your Bank (on Bank Letterhead).; Copy of Import Export Code (IEC) certificate.; GST Registration Certificate.; PAN Card of the Entity (Company/Firm/Proprietor).; Board Resolution or Authorization Letter for the Signatory.; Cancelled Cheque of the bank account.; Exporter's Profile / Proof of business premises.

Our AD Code Registration Workflow

Smooth registration across all Indian ports.

Step 1: Bank Liaison: We provide you with the correct format and guide you in obtaining the AD Code letter from your bank.
Step 2: ICEGATE Setup: Registering or logging into your ICEGATE account and setting up the DSC utility.
Step 3: Document Filing: Uploading the bank letter and supporting documents under the 'Bank Account Management' section on ICEGATE.
Step 4: Port Approval: Tracking the approval from the specific Customs Port authority and handling any technical queries.
Step 5: Confirmation: Once the 'Approved' status appears on ICEGATE, your port registration is complete and active.

Deliverables

After completion, we share organized acknowledgements, references, and next-step guidance for banking, renewals, or future filings.

ICEGATE AD Code Registration Status Screenshot
Verified Bank Account Mapping on Customs System
Guidance on first Shipping Bill generation
Support for multi-port registrations

Expert review

AD Code Registration Online | Bank AD Code for Exports content is reviewed by QuickTaxperts Trade Advisory, Exim Compliance Specialists.

Checklist-led review
Document pre-verification
Authority-specific next steps

Frequently asked questions

These quick answers cover common planning questions before you request a checklist or quote.

What is an AD Code?: An AD (Authorized Dealer) Code is a 7-digit code provided by your bank. It identifies the branch where you have your export-related current account and foreign exchange facility.
Is AD Code registration mandatory?: Yes, it is absolutely mandatory for all exporters. Without it, you cannot file a Shipping Bill, which is the document required to clear goods for export.
Do I need a separate AD Code for each port?: You use the SAME AD Code from your bank, but you must REGISTER it separately with the Customs at every port (e.g., Delhi Air Cargo, Nhava Sheva, Chennai Port) from where you export.
How long does the registration take?: Once the bank letter is ready, the online filing on ICEGATE takes about 1-2 days. The port authority usually approves it within 3 to 7 working days.
Can I change my bank account after AD Code registration?: Yes, but you will have to undergo the registration process again on ICEGATE with the AD Code letter from your new bank to update the records.
What is the validity of AD Code registration?: Once registered at a port, it is valid for as long as your bank account and IEC are active. There is no periodic renewal required.
Do I need a Digital Signature (DSC) for this?: Yes, a Class 3 DSC is mandatory to log in and sign the bank account registration documents on the ICEGATE portal.
What if my AD Code registration is rejected?: Common reasons for rejection include document mismatches or poor scan quality. We help in identifying the exact error and refiling the corrected application.