How to Download Shipping Bill from ICEGATE + Check Status
If you're an exporter in India, you've probably searched "how to download the shipping bill from ICEGATE" at least once, maybe during a GST refund filing, a DGFT license reconciliation, or when your CA asked for proof of export for the third time that month.
Shipping bills aren't just customs formalities. They're your audit trail, your proof for GST claims, and the document that closes the loop in EDPMS. But navigating ICEGATE to check your shipping bill status or download a copy can feel unnecessarily complicated if you're doing it for the first time.
This guide walks you through the exact steps, no customs jargon, no guesswork.
TL;DR
If you just want the steps:
- Open ICEGATE → Tracking at ICES → Shipping Bill
- Enter Location + Shipping Bill No + Date + Captcha
- View status → Print / Save status page (and if you need a document copy, use ICEGATE’s document download utility flow)
What is a shipping bill (and what "status" actually means)?
A shipping bill is the customs declaration you file when exporting goods from India. Think of it as the official record that tells customs what you're shipping, its value, the destination, and whether you're claiming any duty drawbacks or GST refunds.
Once you file it, the shipping bill moves through different stages of customs processing. That's where "status" comes in. When you check the shipping bill status on ICEGATE, you're essentially tracking the status of your declaration in the approval pipeline.
Here's what you'll typically see:
- LEO (Let Export Order) granted means customs has cleared your shipment for export. This is the green light you need before the cargo physically leaves the port or airport.
- EGM (Export General Manifest) filed confirms that your shipment details have been included in the carrier's manifest. This happens after the goods are loaded and the vessel or flight has departed.
- Assessed means customs has reviewed your declaration and finalized the duties or drawbacks applicable.
- Under query indicates that customs needs more information or clarification before processing further.
These statuses matter because they directly impact your GST refund timeline, DGFT license utilisation, and EDPMS closure. If your shipping bill is stuck at "assessed" for weeks, your refund won't move. If EGM isn't filed, EDPMS won't mark your obligation as complete.
This is why exporters regularly check their shipping bill status on ICEGATE, not just for compliance tracking, but to catch potential delays early. A status check helps you spot issues before they become blockers, whether it's a pending customs query that needs your CHA's attention, a missing EGM that's holding up your DGFT scrip generation, or an overdue EDPMS closure that could trigger RBI notices.
📚Quick note: A shipping bill is not the same as a Bill of Lading or Airway Bill. Those are transport documents issued by your logistics provider. The shipping bill is purely a customs document.
Before you start (what you need to keep ready)
You'll need a few basic details before you can check your shipping bill status or download it from ICEGATE. Keep these handy:
- Shipping Bill Number: This is the unique reference number assigned when your customs broker filed the declaration. It usually starts with a digit corresponding to your port code.
- Shipping Bill Date: The date the shipping bill was filed with customs, not the shipment date.
- Customs location or port: ICEGATE will ask you to select the location where the shipping bill was filed. This could be ICD Tughlakabad, Nhava Sheva Sea, or whichever customs station processed your export.
In some cases, especially if you're cross-checking via DGFT portals, you might come across references to port codes. These are just numerical identifiers for each customs location.
If you lost your shipping bill number
It happens more often than you'd think. If you don't have the number on hand, check these places:
- Your export invoice sometimes includes the shipping bill reference, especially if your accounts team maintains proper documentation.
- Your CHA (Customs House Agent) will definitely have it. They filed the document, so a quick email or call should get you the details.
- Shipping documents such as the Bill of Lading or commercial invoice, which are often issued by your freight forwarder, often include the shipping bill number in the remarks or reference section.
Once you have these details, you're ready to log in to ICEGATE and track your shipping bill.
How to check shipping bill status on ICEGATE (step-by-step)
Step 1: Open "Shipping Bill – Tracking at ICES"
Log in to the ICEGATE portal and navigate to Tracking at ICES from the main menu. Under that section, click on Shipping Bill. This takes you to the tracking interface, where you can check the current status of your export declaration.
Step 2: Enter required details
You'll see a simple form asking for the following:
- Select Location: Choose the customs station or port where your shipping bill was filed (for example, ICD Tughlakabad or Nhava Sheva Sea).
- Enter Shipping Bill No: Type in the full shipping bill number.
- Enter Shipping Bill Date: Use the date picker to select the filing date.
- Enter Captcha: Fill in the verification code displayed on the screen.
Once all fields are complete, click Submit.
Step 3: Submit and read the result
The system will display your shipping bill details along with the current status. Here's what each status means and what you should do next:
| Status | What to do next |
| LEO granted | Your shipment is cleared. Watch for EGM filing confirmation once goods are loaded. |
| EGM filed | Export is complete. Use this for EDPMS closure and GST refund claims. |
| Assessed | Customs has reviewed your declaration. Await LEO or check for any pending queries |
| Under query | Customs needs more info. Contact your CHA to clarify and resubmit documents. |
| Rejected | There's a mismatch between the data and the documents. Speak to your CHA, fix the issue, refile. |
How to download the shipping bill from ICEGATE
When exporters say "download," they usually mean one of two things. Here's how to handle both scenarios.
Option A : Download or save the status result (quick proof)
Once the shipping bill status loads on your screen, you can save it as a quick reference document. Just use your browser's print function and save the page as a PDF, or take a screenshot if you need it fast.
This works well for internal record-keeping, sharing updates with your team, or attaching proof to an email. It's not the official customs document, but it's enough for day-to-day operational needs.
Option B : Download the shipping bill document copy (official assessment copy)
If you need the actual shipping bill document say, for GST refund filing, audits, or DGFT reconciliation, you'll use ICEGATE's Document Download Utility.
Here's how it works:
1. Log in to ICEGATE services Head to the ICEGATE portal and sign in using your registered credentials. Make sure you're accessing the post-login services area, not just the public tracking page.
2. Go to Document Download or Download Utility The exact menu label may vary slightly with ICEGATE's interface updates, but look for options such as "Download Utility" or "Document Download" under the Services section.
3. Choose Shipping Bill and search Select "Shipping Bill (SB)" as the document type. You can search by shipping bill number or filter by a date range, whichever is more convenient.
4. Download and save Once the document appears, download it and save it to your system. This is the official copy you can use for compliance and documentation purposes.
📚Important real-world note
Some ICEGATE functions require a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or the use of ICEGATE's signer utility. If your login or download process prompts you for this, check ICEGATE's signer utility portal or contact their helpdesk for setup guidance.
Track EDPMS status on ICEGATE
ICEGATE also lets you check "Status of SB in RBI – EDPMS" through its enquiry menu. EDPMS (Export Data Processing and Monitoring System) is the RBI's platform that tracks whether you've received payment for your exports within the prescribed timeline.
This matters because unmet export realisation obligations can trigger compliance notices, block future benefits, or complicate your banking relationships.
To check EDPMS status, you'll enter the same details: customs location, shipping bill number, and shipping bill date. The system will show whether your shipping bill has been closed in EDPMS or is still marked as pending or overdue.
If it shows "not closed" or "overdue," it usually means your bank hasn't yet reported the foreign exchange receipt to RBI, or there's a documentation mismatch. In that case, follow up with your bank's trade finance desk and confirm that the BRC (Bank Realisation Certificate) or FIRC has been filed against the correct shipping bill reference.
Common issues (and exact fixes)
#1 "No Record Found"
If ICEGATE shows no record when you search for your shipping bill, check these first:
Wrong location selection – Make sure you've selected the exact customs station where the shipping bill was filed. If your CHA was filed at ICD Tughlakabad, but you selected Nhava Sheva, the system won't find it.
Wrong date format or mismatch – Double-check the shipping bill date. Use the exact filing date, not the shipment date or invoice date.
Manual, courier, or postal category – If your export was filed under a manual, courier, or postal shipping bill category, ICEGATE has separate enquiry options for these. Look for those specific menus under the tracking section.
#2 Status stuck before LEO / pending processing
If your shipping bill has been sitting in "assessed" or "under processing" for days, verify the following:
Check whether the invoice details match what was declared in the shipping bill. Mismatches in value, description, or HS codes can delay clearance.
Confirm that your CHA filed accurate data. Small errors in exporter details, IEC number, or port of discharge can trigger manual reviews.
Reach out to your CHA and ask them to check the backend for any queries or hold orders from customs.
#3 LEO done, but EGM not filed
EGM (Export General Manifest) filing depends on the shipping line or airline, not customs. If your shipping bill shows LEO granted, but EGM hasn't been filed, it means the carrier hasn't yet submitted the manifest to customs.
This is a common blocker for EDPMS closure and DGFT integration. Contact your freight forwarder or CHA and ask them to follow up with the shipping line. EGM filing typically happens after the vessel departs, but delays in carrier reporting can hold up your entire export documentation chain.
#4 ICEGATE page not loading / captcha issues
ICEGATE can be slow during peak hours or may throw captcha errors. Try these quick fixes:
Retry during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening).
Switch to a different browser (Chrome or Firefox usually works better).
Clear your browser cache and cookies, then reload the page.
If the issue persists, check ICEGATE's official status page or helpdesk for any updates on system maintenance.
Exporter's checklist
After every shipment, save these documents to avoid scrambling later during audits, GST refund filing, or DGFT reconciliation:
- Shipping bill status proof or downloaded copy: Either the PDF from ICEGATE's Document Download Utility or a saved screenshot of the status page. This is your primary customs record.
- LEO confirmation: Proof that customs cleared your shipment for export. You'll need this if there's ever a question about whether the goods were legally left in India.
- EGM confirmation: Shows that your shipment was included in the carrier's manifest and has departed. This is critical for closing EDPMS obligations and claiming benefits.
- EDPMS check screenshot (if relevant): If you're exporting under advance authorization or other schemes that require proof of realization of export proceeds, keep a record showing that your shipping bill has been marked as closed in EDPMS.
Payment realisation proof trail: Bank realisation certificate (BRC), FIRC, or foreign inward remittance confirmation. This ties your export to the actual funds received, completing your compliance loop.
How Skydo helps exporters stay compliant (without more work)
Checking shipping bill status is only half the compliance story. The bigger headache is stitching together customs, bank, and export realization paperwork.
That's where Skydo comes in. You get free, instant FIRA for every inward remittance, no waiting on your bank or following up for documents. For Amazon Global Sellers, the platform also handles automated eBRC generation, which is especially useful for Amazon sellers or exporters handling high transaction volumes and needing clean documentation trails for GST refunds and DGFT claims.
Instead of scrambling through emails and bank portals during audits, you have one place to keep all export payment documentation organized: shipping bills, invoices, FIRAs, and payment proofs.
If you're exporting regularly and tired of chasing documents, Skydo can automate the bank-side paperwork so your shipping bill trail actually closes cleanly.
