AD Code Check Online: Status, ICEGATE & What It Means
TL;DR - Summary
- What is an AD code and what does it mean for exporters? - An AD code identifies an authorized dealer bank branch. Exporters register the code and associated bank account with customs for goods shipments that require a Shipping Bill.
- How do you do an AD code check online on ICEGATE? - Log in to ICEGATE, open Bank Account Management and select Foreign Remittance Account (Authorized Dealer Code). Check the account's Status at Customs.
- What does each AD code status on ICEGATE mean and what should you do next? - Accepted means customs has approved the account; pending means it is awaiting review. If rejected, check the reason, fix the issue and submit a new application.
- What do you do after your AD code is approved? - Use the registered details when filing a Shipping Bill, and check that your refund or incentive account is registered separately where required.
What Is an AD Code and Why Do Exporters Need It?
An AD code, short for Authorized Dealer code, identifies an RBI-authorized dealer bank branch. Registering an AD code and its associated account on ICEGATE links the exporter's bank details with customs records for goods exports.
For example, a Pune-based textile exporter filing a Shipping Bill needs to register the authorized dealer's code and associated bank account with customs.
💡 QUICK INSIGHT
An AD code identifies an authorized dealer bank branch for customs and foreign-exchange reporting. An IFSC identifies a bank branch for domestic transfers. They are not interchangeable.
AD Code Check Online: What Happens After Approval and How Do You Actually Get Paid?
Once your AD code and associated account are approved on ICEGATE, they are linked to your Import Export Code (IEC) in customs records. Your overseas buyer sends payment using the bank details you provide. The receiving bank handles the funds under the applicable account and foreign-exchange rules.
- Shipping Bill generation: An approved AD code and associated bank account support filing a Shipping Bill for a goods export. Payment terms can differ, and an advance may arrive before shipment.
- Government incentives: Refund and incentive accounts are managed separately on ICEGATE. Eligibility and payment depend on the relevant scheme; RoDTEP benefits are issued as electronic scrips, not automatically as cash into the AD code account.
- Two layers of getting paid: Goods-export customs filing and receiving your buyer's payment are separate steps. Check both your customs registration and the payment instructions you give your buyer.
Why Is AD Code Registration Required for Exporters?
Exporters register their AD code and associated bank account for goods exports filed through customs. Refunds and export benefits have separate eligibility and account requirements; an AD code alone does not guarantee a payment or benefit.
- Payment routing: Your buyer sends the payment to the account in your payment instructions. Registering an AD code with customs does not automatically redirect the buyer's transfer.
- Incentive credits: Check the separate refund or incentive account in ICEGATE and the rules of the scheme you are claiming. Some benefits, such as RoDTEP, use electronic scrips rather than a direct cash credit.
- Document upload rules: Requirements depend on your bank's verification route. For banks connected to ICEGATE's electronic verification system, document-type selection and uploads of documents or image reference numbers (IRNs) are not required. Otherwise, follow the portal's document prompts.
- Government fee: Check ICEGATE for any applicable portal charge before applying. Your bank or an adviser may charge separately for their services.
- Bank fee: Ask your bank whether it charges for the authorization letter and confirm the amount before applying.
- Consultant fees: If you use a consultant, ask for a written quote and check which filing and follow-up services it includes.
How to Check AD Code Registration Status Online on ICEGATE
To check your AD code registration, log in to ICEGATE, open Financial Services → Bank Account Management and select the AD Code Registration dashboard or Foreign Remittance Account (Authorized Dealer Code). Find the account and review its Customs status and any remarks.
- Accepted: Customs has accepted the account. Check that the displayed bank, AD code and account details match your records before filing.
- Pending: The request is still being processed by the system or customs. Check the stage and any remarks; if verification is continuing, check its status before submitting another request.
- Rejected: Check the reason shown or contact the registration port for details. Correct the issue before submitting a new application.
Once your AD code is registered and shipments start moving, you still need a way to receive foreign payments. Skydo provides eligible exporters with virtual receiving accounts in USD, EUR, GBP and other currencies, and automatically provides a free FIRA for settled payments. FIRC certificates and FIRA are different documents, so check which evidence your filing requires. Fees depend on the payment amount and route, with GST as applicable.
Exporters should verify that the AD code and associated bank account show as accepted at customs before filing their first Shipping Bill. Having the code issued by the bank is only one part of the process; the customs registration must also be completed and the account details must match.
How to Register an AD Code on ICEGATE
To register an AD code on ICEGATE, have an active IEC, an ICEGATE account and your bank account and AD code details ready. You will also need access to the registered mobile number or email for the OTP. Document requirements depend on your bank's verification route.
- Activate your ICEGATE account: Ensure your IEC is active and register or log in to ICEGATE. Follow the portal's current identity and signature requirements for your user type.
- Confirm your bank details: Ask your authorized dealer bank for its AD code and check that your IEC, PAN, account and branch details match its records. If documents are required, ask the bank for the authorization letter and supporting bank proof.
- Open the account form: After logging in, open Bank Account Management, select Foreign Remittance Account (Authorized Dealer Code) and choose Add New Bank Account.
- Enter bank details: Enter the AD code and select Get Details. Choose the correct branch if more than one appears, enter the account number and select the customs location. Follow the fields shown for your bank.
- Verify the account: If your bank uses ICEGATE's electronic verification, you do not need to select a document type or upload documents or an IRN. Otherwise, follow the portal's document-upload and verification prompts.
- Submit and track: Complete the verification and any OTP sent to your registered mobile number or email. Submit the request and check Status at Customs for the outcome.
💡 QUICK INSIGHT
For banks connected to ICEGATE's electronic verification system, you do not need to select a document type or upload documents or an IRN. Other requests may need supporting bank documents.
What Documents Are Required for AD Code Registration?
Requirements depend on your bank's verification route. For banks connected to ICEGATE's electronic verification system, document-type selection and document/IRN uploads are not required. For a document-based request, ICEGATE's manual lists a bank authorization letter and a cancelled cheque or bank-endorsed latest statement. Keep these details handy:
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Follow ICEGATE's current registration and document-signing instructions if a DSC is requested.
- IEC: Keep your active Importer Exporter Code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) handy.
- PAN: The PAN linked to the IEC and bank account should match.
- GST registration: Keep the certificate handy if it is relevant to your application or refund claim.
- Bank authorization letter: If documents are requested, ask your bank to include the exporter and account details, linked PAN, AD code and branch contact information.
- Cancelled cheque or bank statement: If documents are requested, provide a cancelled cheque for the account or the latest statement endorsed by the bank.
- Authorized signatory: Keep identity and authorization details available if the portal or customs asks for them.
- Partners or directors: Provide their details if specifically requested for your business or registration.
- Authorization letter: Keep proof of the signatory's authority available if requested.
- Business address: Check that the exporter address on the bank letter is correct.
- Email ID and phone number: Keep access to the registered mobile number or email for OTP verification.
Follow the verification route shown on ICEGATE. If documents are requested, upload clear, complete bank proof that matches the account being registered.
How Long Does AD Code Registration Take?
Approval time can vary by customs location and the completeness of the application. ICEGATE's FAQ mentions 7–10 working days for a customs-pending AD code request; this is guidance, not a guaranteed deadline.
If the request stays pending, review the status and any remarks on ICEGATE. Follow up with the customs office at the registration location or the ICEGATE helpdesk if needed. Check the status before submitting a duplicate request.
- Document mismatches: Check that the name, PAN, IEC and bank account details agree with the bank's authorization letter.
- Bank verification: Check that your account is active and your IEC, PAN and AD code match the bank's records. Ask the bank to correct any mismatch.
⚠️ COMMON MISCONCEPTION
Submission does not mean approval. Check Status at Customs and resolve any query before relying on the account for filing.
How to Check Whether Your AD Code Is Registered at a Port
To check whether your AD code is registered at a port, log in to ICEGATE, open Bank Account Management and select Foreign Remittance Account (Authorized Dealer Code). The screen shows the customs location, the linked bank account and the Status at Customs for each AD code.
- Location: The port where the AD code was approved.
- Account: The bank account linked to that AD code.
- Status at Customs: “Custom Port Approved” means the AD code is active. “Pending” means the request is still under review. “Rejected” means you need to fix the details and submit again.
Once an AD code and its linked account are approved at one customs location, you can use them at every other customs location in India, with no need to register again. Any change to the account details still has to be made at the port where the AD code was first approved.
Can You Use One AD Code at Multiple Ports?
Yes. An AD code and its associated account registered against an IEC at one customs location can be used at other customs locations without a separate AD code registration at each port.
The refund or incentive account is a separate registration. Its location selector also offers an All option for applicable customs locations; check its Customs and PFMS statuses before claiming a benefit.
What Are the Common Reasons for AD Code Registration Rejection?
Rejection can happen when account details or supporting documents need correction. Check the customs remark or ask the registration office for the specific reason.
- Detail mismatch: Check that the exporter name, IEC, PAN and account details match your bank's records and any supporting documents.
- Bank verification failure: Confirm that your account is active and that your PAN, IEC and AD code are mapped correctly. Ask your bank to correct any mismatch.
- Overlooking the reason: Read the customs remark or contact the registration office, then fix the issue before applying again.
- Unreadable documents: Where documents are requested, upload clear, complete copies in the format the portal asks for.
When you receive a rejection, fix it in this order:
- Log in to ICEGATE.
- Read the rejection remark visible on the portal.
- Resolve the exact issue flagged.
- After resolving the issue, submit a new application. ICEGATE's FAQ directs users to apply again after customs rejects an AD code request.
⚠️ COMMON MISCONCEPTION
A rejected request is different from an accepted account that needs an update. ICEGATE's manual allows modification of accepted accounts; its FAQ says to submit a new application after rejection.
How to Modify or Update Your AD Code on ICEGATE
To modify or update your AD code on ICEGATE, log in, open Bank Account Management, select Foreign Remittance Account (Authorized Dealer Code), choose the account and click Modify Account. You can only modify an account whose Status at Customs is Accepted, and the change goes through the account’s original port of registration.
- Bank details: Update the account number, branch or other details that have changed.
- Verification: Follow the verification route the portal shows. If your bank is API-integrated, you don’t need to upload documents or an IRN. Otherwise, upload the bank’s AD code letter on e-Sanchit and enter the IRN it generates.
- Confirmation: Finish the portal’s confirmation steps to submit the request.
After you submit, check the Status at Customs again to confirm the updated details have been approved.
What Is the Difference Between an AD Code and an IEC?
An IEC identifies your business, while an AD code identifies the authorized dealer bank branch that handles your foreign exchange. DGFT issues the IEC, and your bank issues the AD code for customs and foreign-exchange records.
| IEC | AD Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | DGFT | Your authorized dealer bank |
| Identifies | Your business | Your bank branch and account |
| Used for | Importing and exporting | Customs and foreign-exchange records |
Getting an IEC does not register your bank’s AD code. You still need to register the AD code and its linked bank account against your IEC on ICEGATE before you file a shipping bill.
How do I check if my AD code is registered on ICEGATE?
Log in to ICEGATE, open Bank Account Management and select Foreign Remittance Account (Authorized Dealer Code). Find the account and check its Status at Customs.
How long does AD code approval take after submission on ICEGATE?
Do I need a DSC to check my AD code status on ICEGATE?
What should I do if my AD code shows 'Rejected' on ICEGATE?
Does AD code approval at one port apply to all ports across India?
How do I register my IFSC code on ICEGATE?
What happens to my AD code if I change my bank account?
Is an AD code mandatory for every export shipment?
Can I have more than one AD code if I export from multiple banks?
