AD Code Registration

Overview

An Authorised Dealer (AD) Code is a code issued by the bank through which an exporter receives foreign payments, and it must be registered with customs at each port or courier terminal from which goods are exported. Without AD Code registration at a port, customs generally will not allow the generation of a shipping bill. The registration links the exporter's bank account to the port so that export proceeds and export benefits can be processed correctly.

Objective

To register the exporter's bank AD Code with customs at a port so shipping bills can be filed and export proceeds processed.

Characteristics

• The AD Code is provided by the exporter's bank and registered with customs
• Registration is done port by port, usually through the ICEGATE system
• Required before customs will allow shipping bills at that port
• Links the bank account for receipt of export proceeds and benefits
• Tied to the exporter's IEC and business details

Eligibility

• Exporters holding a valid Import Export Code (IEC)
• Businesses with a current account and AD Code letter from their bank
• Exporters shipping goods through a specific port or courier terminal
• Entities intending to file shipping bills for exports

Governing law

• Customs Act, 1962
• Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines on authorised dealers
• Indian Customs EDI System (ICEGATE)

The process

1. 1
   Obtain AD Code letter

   We help you obtain the AD Code letter from your bank in the format required by customs.

2. 2
   Documentation

   We compile the IEC, GST and bank documents needed for port registration.

3. 3
   Port registration

   We file the AD Code registration with customs at the relevant port through ICEGATE.

4. 4
   Confirmation

   We confirm that the AD Code is registered and active at the port for filing shipping bills.

Documents required

• AD Code letter issued by the bank on its letterhead
• Import Export Code (IEC) certificate
• GST registration certificate
• PAN of the entity
• Cancelled cheque or bank details of the exporter
• Identity proof and authorisation of the signatory

Benefits

• Allows shipping bills to be filed at the registered port
• Enables smooth receipt of export proceeds through the bank
• Supports credit of export incentives and refunds where applicable
• Helps avoid delays in customs clearance for exports

Frequently asked questions