AD Code stands for Authorized Dealer Code and it is a 14-digit unique number that is issued by the bank to handle foreign exchange transactions and clearing the goods from customs. Such banks are known as Authorized Dealers and AD Code uniquely recognizes businesses involved in export operations and for imports, the AD Code itself is not registered in the same way. AD Code Registration is mainly needed for exporters to enable shipping bill generation & receipt of export incentives. AD Code Registration is now needed at only one port and once AD Code is registered, it will be automatically shown for all other ports under the same IEC. However, IFSC Code Registration still must be done port-wise separately and this is important for receiving duty refunds/incentives like IGST Credit at the right bank account. Also, there are 2 most important registrations required from starting any business of Import & Export in India, one is IEC Code (Import Export Code) and another is AD Code (Authorized Dealer Code).

Most of the importers know that AD Code is compulsory for customs clearance but many still face delays because of incorrect registration on the ICEGATE portal, even a small error in documentation or bank details can result in custom queries, shipment holds, or clearance rejection. If you are planning to import goods into India and export goods from India in 2026 then it is important to know how to register AD Code through ICEGATE Portal for import & export clearance and if you want to get AD Code Registration without any hassle, just contact Whizseed now, we have a team of professional who will help you in getting AD Code from DGFT so that you can do Import & Export Business without any stress.

Where AD Code Registration is Required at the time of Export Process?

AD Code Registration is just a step in a huge export setup and the following is an important sequence so that you know what comes before & after:

• IEC or Import-Export Code:  This is your basic export license and you need this first because AD Code will link to the Import Export Code.
• AD Code Registration: After getting IEC, this is the most important thing you need, your bank issues the 14-digit AD Code which you can register on ICEGATE.
• ICEGATE Account: The customs portal where your IEC & AD Code connect and where you file your export documents.
• Shipping Bill: You need to file this on ICEGATE for every consignment because customs can’t generate it without your AD Code.
• RoDTEP and Other Incentives: With the above, your export benefits (RoDTEP, RoSCTL, GST Refunds, Duly Drawbacks) are credited to your ICEGATE Ledger.

What are the Benefits of AD Code Registration?

The following are the benefits of AD Code Registration in India:

• AD Code helps in developing business & reaching out to a bigger market at the international level;
• Getting an AD Code is only one time process and it means there is no other requirement to submit any returns;
• It allows transferring credit to the current account of the trader directly;
• As per the AD Code, the businesses get various multiple incentives for their imports or exports from DGFT, EPC (Export Promotion Council), Customs & other Government Departments;
• AD Code is one of the most important documents to be submitted for custom clearance and without AD Code no one can produce a shipping bill on ICEGATE and the ICEGATE platform;
• This code is valid till the business existence and there is no other requirement to renew it;
• Any government benefits one wants to get are credited directly to their current account if they have AD Code registered customs.

What is the AD Code Letter Format?

TO avoid any rejections or delays at the time of AD Code Registration on the portal make sure that your bank issues the AD Code Letter on their official letterhead. And the letter must include all the following details:

• Business name and registered address;
• Import Export Code (IEC) number;
• 14-digit AD (Authorized Dealer) Code;
• Current account number linked to the IEC;
• IFSC code and branch details;
• Name of the authorized dealer bank;
• Confirmation that the bank is authorized by the RBI to deal in foreign exchange;
• Authorized bank official's signature, name, designation, and bank seal;
• Date of issue;

Important Things to Remember for Documents:

• Self-Attestation on all the documents by the Authorized person and stamped with your company’s seal;
• Clear Scans of all the documents and should be easy to read and meet all the required file size and file should be in pdf

Process to Register an AD Code in India through ICEGATE Portal

There are 2 main parts in AD Code Registration Process, let discuss both the parts:

1. Get AD Code from Your Bank

• Ensure you have a current account with an RBI registered bank that handles all your foreign exchange;
• Then, you need to prepare a formal request letter on the letterhead of your company for your bank manager and ask for an AD Code for your Import Export Code. Clearly mention the port(s) where you want to register the AD Code;
• Give all the documents and request letters to your bank. Many banks now let you submit these online via their trade services;
• Once they check your details, the bank will give you a 14-digit AD Code on their official letterhead.

2. Register AD Code with Customs:

• First, you need to visit the ICEGATE Portal;
• Then you need to sign in through your IEC credentials. If you don’t have an account, then you will need to register first using your Class 3 DSC, preferably in the IEC holder’s name;
• After that, you have to look for Bank Account Management or AD Code Registration in the service area;
• Then, type in the AD Code details exactly as your bank provided them;
• Upload all the scanned copies of documents and this includes the AD Code Letter, IEC, PAN & GST. Ensure that all the documents are clear & easy to read;
• Send your application and you might get an OTP for verification;
• Once the officer approves it, your AD Code will be associated with your IEC for the selected port

Timeline and Validity of AD Code

Once you submit all the documents and verified correctly, then AD Code is generally registered on ICEGATE within 2-3 working days and the AD Code doesn’t expire itself, once it is registered against your IEC and is valid across all custom locations.

AD Code Registration Fees

There is no official fee charged by the Customs Department for AD Code Registration on the ICEGATE Portal. However, you might have to pay Rs. 500 to Rs.2000 when obtaining the AD Code Letter from your bank.

Steps to Download the AD Code Registration Certificate Online

The following are the steps to download your AD Code Registration Certificate online:

• Visit the ICEGATE portal.
• Log in to your account.
• Open Bank Account Management.
• Select the port and AD Code.
• Click Download Certificate.
• Save a digital and printed copy.

How to Check AD Code Registration Status?

The following are the steps to check your AD Code Registration status online:

• Log in to the ICEGATE portal.
• Go to Bank Account Management.
• Select your IEC and port.
• View the status: Approved, Pending, or Rejected.

List of Ports / ICD for AD Code Registration

 Important ports/ICDs include:

• Mumbai (JNPT, Sahar ACC)
• Chennai (Chennai Port, Chennai ACC)
• Kolkata (Kolkata Port, Kolkata ACC)
• Delhi (Delhi ACC, Patparganj ICD, Tughlakabad ICD)
• Bengaluru (Bengaluru ACC, Whitefield ICD)
• Ahmedabad (Ahmedabad ACC)
• Hyderabad (Hyderabad ACC, Sanathnagar ICD)
• Cochin (Cochin Port, Cochin ACC)
• Vizag (Visakhapatnam Port)
• Paradeep (Paradeep Port)
• Mundra (Mundra Port)
• Pipavav (Pipavav Port)
• Kandla (Kandla Port)

What is the Difference Between IEC Code and AD Code?

Common AD Code Registration Errors on ICEGATE

The following are some common mistakes that can occur:

• IEC Mismatch
• Invalid AD Code Letter
• DSC Authentication Failure
• Incorrect Port Selection
• Poor Quality Document Uploads

Need Whizseed Help with AD Code Registration?

Whizseed has years of experience in export-import licensing & compliance services across India. Our team helps many businesses with AD Code Registration, IEC Services, ICEGATE compliances and so on. If you need any support with AD Code Registration then our expert can help you save time, avoid rejections & ensure smooth clearance operations.