An AD Code (Authorised Dealer Code) is a code issued by the bank that receives your export payments, and it must be registered with Indian Customs on ICEGATE before you can file a shipping bill. Import Export Advisor collects the bank letter, completes the ICEGATE registration and confirms it for a flat ₹999 professional fee, usually in 2 to 4 working days.
AD Code Registration: key facts
- Issued by
- Your AD category bank, registered with Customs
- Registered on
- ICEGATE, for the customs port you export through
- Our fee
- ₹999 flat professional fee
- Government fee
- No customs fee for AD Code registration
- Typical time
- 2 to 4 working days
- Needs first
- IEC and a Class 3 DSC
Who is AD Code Registration for?
Right for you if
- New exporters who have an IEC and are preparing their first shipping bill
- Exporters adding a new customs port or switching banks
- Businesses whose IFSC or account changed after a bank merger
Not what you need if
- Importers who only file bills of entry and never export
- Businesses without an IEC yet: start with IEC registration
What documents are needed for AD Code Registration?
We send an exact checklist for your business type before filing. Typically you will need:
- AD Code letter from your bank on its letterhead
- IEC certificate
- Class 3 digital signature of the authorised signatory
- Cancelled cheque of the account linked to the AD Code
- GST registration certificate, if registered
Why do exporters need an AD Code?
Customs will not accept a shipping bill from an exporter whose AD Code is not registered for that port. The AD Code also tells Customs which bank will receive the export payment, so the export can be tracked until the money arrives.
Banks use the shipping bill data linked to your AD Code to monitor export realisation. A wrong or missing AD Code is one of the most common reasons a first shipment gets stuck at the port.
How is an AD Code registered on ICEGATE?
You get the AD Code letter from your bank, then the code is registered on ICEGATE with your IEC, bank details and a digital signature, against the port of export. Customs then verifies and approves it.
- 01Request the AD Code letter from the branch that will receive export payments
- 02Log in to ICEGATE with the IEC holder's account
- 03File the AD Code registration with bank details, the bank letter and DSC signature
- 04Track approval and share the confirmation with your customs broker
Port rules differ in practice. Some ports also ask the bank to email the authorisation letter to the EDI section. We check the current requirement of your port before filing.
Is the AD Code the same as the IFSC code?
No. IFSC identifies a bank branch for domestic transfers, while the AD Code identifies the branch authorised to handle foreign exchange for your exports. Customs records both for refunds and realisation tracking.
What the ₹999 fee includes
- Bank letter format and checklist
- ICEGATE registration filed and tracked
- Port-specific requirements checked
- Confirmation shared with you and your customs broker
Government and council fees, where they apply, are stated before filing. Compare every fee on the pricing page.
AD Code Registration: frequently asked questions
Is there a government fee for AD Code registration?
Customs does not charge a fee for AD Code registration on ICEGATE. Our professional fee is ₹999 flat.
How long does AD Code registration take?
Usually 2 to 4 working days after the bank letter and digital signature are ready.
Do I need a separate AD Code for each port?
The AD Code is registered against the port you export through. If you start exporting from a new port, check that it is registered there before filing a shipping bill.
Can I change my AD Code later?
Yes. If you change your bank or branch, get a new AD Code letter and update the registration on ICEGATE.
Do I need ICEGATE registration first?
Yes. The AD Code is registered through ICEGATE, so you need an ICEGATE account and a Class 3 DSC.
Guides for this service
Other export services
Sources and official portals
Import Export Advisor is a private consultancy, not a government body. Approval decisions rest with DGFT, Customs and the relevant councils.